Iran to Assess US Approach in Indirect Talks on Saturday, Says Araqchi

Araqchi said the Islamic Republic has clearly and seriously expressed its views in response to US positions and is fully committed to the ongoing negotiations.

Commenting on the upcoming indirect talks with the US and Washington’s contradictory statements, Araqchi said: “The truth is, we hear conflicting and contradictory messages from the United States.”

“What their intention is, and what goals they are pursuing, is up to them,” he continued. “For us, only what is stated at the negotiating table—albeit indirectly and through intermediaries—is valid and decisive.”

Araqchi emphasized that Iran has, in turn, expressed its own positions with clarity and seriousness.

“We are fully serious in these negotiations,” he stated.

“Our stance is clear, and we have communicated it plainly to the other side,” he said. “Our position has not changed and will not change.”

“It is not acceptable to speak differently every day, and we expect our counterparts to participate in the negotiations with seriousness, consistency, and resolve,” he said. “Only in that case can the talks move forward and yield results.”

“On Saturday, we will participate seriously in the indirect talks, and depending on how the other side engages, we will assess and determine how to proceed,” Araqchi added.

Regarding the location of the talks, he clarified, “Rome is not the host, but merely the venue.”

“The host of the indirect negotiations between Iran and the US remains the government of Oman,” he said. “We will attend wherever the designated host decides.”

He noted that Oman’s foreign minister and government continue to act as mediators and facilitators of indirect communication.

“I will travel to Rome on Saturday to begin the second round of indirect talks,” Araqchi confirmed.

He also touched on consultations with Russia and China, saying both countries—as well as others with varying levels of relations with Iran—have expressed willingness to support the negotiation process.

“Iran’s readiness to reopen diplomatic pathways, even indirectly, has been welcomed by all the countries I have spoken with,” Araqchi stated, adding, “They have all expressed their readiness to assist in this process.”

“For now, we are conducting this through Oman. But Russia can definitely play a helpful role in this path,” he said.

Speaking about his visit to Russia and meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Araqchi stated that he was carrying a message from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which he had written himself. 

“It covered various topics, including regional matters and bilateral cooperation with Russia.”

He added that the letter included key points that the Leader wanted conveyed to President Putin.

“President Putin read the letter on the spot, after which I provided further explanation,” he said. “We then held an in-depth discussion on bilateral and regional cooperation.”

Araqchi noted that the meeting also included a detailed exchange on regional issues, international developments, and the indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, as well as talks between Russia and the US

“Both sides’ views were naturally presented on these issues,” he said, adding, “In my opinion, it was a very useful, serious, and action-oriented meeting.”