Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has announced that the fourth round of indirect talks with the U.S., mediated by Oman, will take place in Rome on Saturday. The focus remains on negotiating the JCPOA and addressing U.S. sanctions, even as previous European influences wane. No timeline for conclusion has been set, with an emphasis on avoiding drawn-out negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi indicated that the fourth round of Omani-mediated indirect talks between Iran and the United States will occur in Rome on Saturday. This announcement was made during a Cabinet meeting in Tehran, where he addressed inquiries about the nuclear program discussions and the sanctions imposed by Washington.
According to the Xinhua news agency, Araghchi explained that Oman, playing the role of mediator, chose Rome for this next round due to technical and logistical considerations, although he clarified that the location itself does not hold significant importance for Iran. “Of importance to us are the contents of the negotiations and the mediator,” he stated, emphasizing Tehran’s focus on the actual negotiating content rather than the venue.
In addition, he confirmed that this upcoming round in Rome aims to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and work toward alleviating US-led sanctions. This meeting will follow preliminary talks between Iran and the three European nations that are also signatories to the 2015 nuclear agreement: the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, scheduled for Friday.
Despite noting that the influence of the E3 has diminished due to their alignment with U.S. policies, he expressed Iran’s intention to keep those European nations engaged in discussions. However, he lamented the impact of the United States’ continuous sanctions, stating that such actions send a negative message, especially during negotiations.
Araghchi pointed out that while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has no current role in these negotiations, it could be integral if an agreement is reached in the future. He mentioned that there is no set deadline for the talks, but emphasized that Iran is not interested in lengthy negotiations or wasting valuable time.
The first, second, and third rounds of these indirect discussions occurred in Oman, with the inaugural one held on April 12, followed by another on April 19 in Rome, and the latest on April 26. These talks continue as both sides strive towards a diplomatic resolution on nuclear-related issues and sanctions.
In summary, Iran’s latest round of indirect talks with the U.S., set for Rome, aims to make strides toward reviving the JCPOA amid persistent sanctions. Although the venue may be a minor detail, the contents of the negotiations and engagement by involved parties remain the focal point. Without a fixed schedule for completion, both sides seem eager to avoid protracted discussions, while the influence of European parties continues to be in question.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
