Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to the UAE on Monday, a day after successful talks with the US. While the foreign minister seeks consultations with regional countries after the talks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is saying he believes the indirect talks with Washington could lead to an agreement.
The latest discussions were the fourth round of talks, after previous meetings in Italy and Oman. Muscat also helped facilitate a US-Houthi ceasefire. Its foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, has been acting as an intermediary, Iran’s state media noted.
Pezeshkian said Tehran’s participation in indirect talks with the US proves that it is committed to peace and serious in reaching an agreement, IRNA reported on Monday. “Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Sunday, President Pezeshkian underscored his administration’s commitment to preserving the country’s nuclear achievements.” He said, “Any speculation about discarding Iran’s entire nuclear infrastructure is completely unacceptable.”
IRNA also noted that Pezeshkian said that the nuclear technology and the advancements made by Iranian scientists have applications in various fields, including agriculture, environmental protection, industry, and medicine, adding that, therefore, the country “will steadfastly continue its peaceful nuclear activities.”
“We engage in dialogue because we desire peace,” he said. “Our country is committed to promoting stability and security in the region, and we believe that the nations in this area are like brothers, living together in harmony and tranquility. There is no need for external intervention from beyond the region to address our concerns. It is the Zionist regime that seeks to create insecurity and unrest in the area.”
His comments came after Araghchi and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff were in Oman for the indirect talks.
“The discussions focused on Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions, key points of contention between Tehran and Washington,” Iranian state media said.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tehran is committed to diplomatic efforts to further demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, IRNA shared.
Iran happy with talks
All of these reports highlight that Iran is pleased about how the latest talks in Oman went. The Islamic Republic was worried that the negotiations were possibly sinking over the last two weeks, but now, Tehran is once again happy. It has been on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
“Iran is firmly determined to pursue its inalienable lawful rights for peaceful uses of nuclear energy under NPT [Non-Proliferation Treaty] while fully prepared to continue its diplomatic engagement to ensure the already demonstrated ‘peaceful nature’ of its nuclear program,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
“We are equally resolved to work for [the] termination of unlawful and inhuman sanctions that have long been imposed on our people.”