Iran’s foreign minister says the latest round of indirect talks with the United States in Rome yielded progress on principles of a potential agreement, warning, though, that any sense of optimism has to be accompanied by great caution.
In a post on X, former Twitter, on Saturday, Abbas Araghchi said that the “relatively positive atmosphere” characterizing the talks in the Italian capital had resulted in advancement on the foundational aspects of a “possible deal.”
The top diplomat, meanwhile, commented on Iran’s stance on the 2015 nuclear accord between the Islamic Republic and world countries, which is officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Washington left the deal three years after its conclusion, before returning the illegal and unilateral sanctions that it had lifted as per the agreement, and piling up even more coercive measures on Tehran.
“We made clear how many in Iran believe that the JCPOA is no longer good enough for us. To them, what is left from that deal are ‘lessons learned.’ Personally, I tend to agree,” Araghchi wrote.
His comments came after Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei criticized the country’s tying its various affairs to the negotiations that led to the JCPOA’s conclusion, advising avoidance of associating national progress with this round of talks.
The Rome talks marked the second round of indirect discussions between Tehran and Washington in recent weeks, with Oman playing the role of the mediator.
Talks were held at the residence of Oman’s ambassador to Italy, with both delegations stationed in separate rooms.
Iran’s delegation was headed by Araghchi, while Steve Witkoff, the US’s regional envoy, led the American team.
Iranian officials have emphasized that any future deal had to guarantee removal of the sanctions and ensure full economic benefits for Iran, terms that were never fully met under the JCPOA.
Araghchi also noted that “the initiation of expert-level track will begin in coming days with a view to hammer out details. After that, we will be in a better position to judge.”
He concluded, “For now, optimism may be warranted, but only with a great deal of caution.”
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei also posted on X, thanking Italy and Oman for facilitating the process.
“We leave Rome with a sense of deep appreciation to Italy and Oman for co-hosting this important round of Iran-United States indirect talks,” he said.
Baqaei reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy in the face of global instability. “We remain committed to the cause of dialogue and diplomacy as our world continues to face unprecedented challenges and threats to the rule of law and common human values,” he wrote.