- Statement issued just before the start of a second round of negotiations with the U.S.
- Tehran recognized the U.S.’s sincerity during the first round of discussions.
- Lavrov states Russia is “prepared to help mediate” between Iran and the U.S.
MOSCOW: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed on Friday that he believes a deal on Iran’s nuclear program with the United States is within reach, provided that Washington approaches negotiations realistically. This statement was made on the eve of the second round of discussions with the Trump administration.
“If they show a genuine commitment and refrain from making unrealistic demands, we can achieve an agreement,” Araqchi stated during a press conference in Moscow following a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Araqchi mentioned that Iran perceived a measure of seriousness from the United States during their initial talks, which occurred last week in Oman. The follow-up discussions are scheduled for Saturday in Rome.
President Donald Trump has warned of potential military action against Iran if a satisfactory agreement regarding its nuclear program—a program Iran claims is peaceful but which the West believes aims to develop nuclear weapons—is not reached.
Lavrov remarked that Russia is “ready to assist, mediate, and take on any role that could be beneficial for both Iran and the U.S.” Moscow has previously involved itself in Iran’s nuclear negotiations as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and was a party to an earlier agreement that Trump withdrew from in 2018.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei tasked Araqchi with delivering a letter to President Vladimir Putin to provide insights on the ongoing negotiations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated earlier on Friday that the U.S. administration seeks a peaceful resolution with Iran but will not accept the country developing nuclear weapons.
