Iran and United States drawing closer to agreement following Geneva negotiations
Tehran - Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran and Washington are “drawing closer to an agreement” on several issues, with seriousness evident on both sides.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday evening local time following the conclusion of the third round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States in Geneva, Araghchi noted that the seriousness between the two parties was more apparent than previously.
He stated that both sides agreed that technical teams would commence discussions and review in Vienna, Austria beginning Monday.
A new round of negotiations will take place within less than a week, he added.
Araghchi, who led Iran’s delegation in the negotiations, said that Thursday marked one of the most serious and longest rounds in the negotiations. He added that the presence of the UN Nuclear Agency Chief, Rafael Grossi, in the negotiations assisted from a technical perspective.
The Iranian Minister added that the matter of the UN Security Council and United States sanctions were included in Iran’s demands, and it was agreed that these issues would be discussed in greater detail next week.
Regarding the lifting of nuclear sanctions, Iran’s side has clearly outlined its specific demands, he added.
The third round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Geneva on Thursday, under Oman’s mediation, was the longest of the three rounds held so far.
Negotiations on that day were divided into two sessions before and after a break, during which both sides consulted with their respective central governments.
The negotiations took place in two sessions separated by a four-hour break. After exchanging notes for more than three hours via Oman’s Foreign Minister Busaidi and Grossi, the two sides adjourned the session at approximately 13.30 local time.
The second session after the break began at approximately 17.45 local time and ended at 19.30 local time.
An earlier report mentioned that Oman’s mediator urged both parties to continue talks on Friday, but this ultimately did not materialise.
According to Iranian state television, both sides utilised the break to consult with their respective governments regarding the details of the negotiations, effectively making it the longest round.
The negotiations between Tehran and Washington are occurring amidst a significant increase in United States military presence in the Persian Gulf region as well as exercises by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).