IRAN, US TALKS MORE SERIOUS AND DETAILED, SAYS FM ARAQCHI

TEHRAN, April 27 (Bernama-IRNA) -- Top Iranian and United States (US) negotiators have concluded a third round of indirect talks in Oman, focusing on Iran’s nuclear programme and the lifting of sanctions, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.

The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, while US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff represented the American side.

The talks, held at both technical and high-level formats, were facilitated by Omani mediators a week after a second round in Rome that both sides described as “constructive”.

Majid Takht-e-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for political affairs and Kazem Gharibabadi, deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, engaged with Michael Anton, head of policy planning at the US State Department, in expert-level discussions.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Araqchi expressed satisfaction with the progress, while stressing that further examination of outstanding issues was necessary.

“The negotiations are proceeding well and satisfactorily, in a good atmosphere, with both sides being serious,” he said.

Araqchi thanked the Omani government and its foreign minister for facilitating the discussions in a calm and constructive setting, noting that the latest round was “much more serious” than previous meetings, with both sides engaging in more detailed and technical discussions.

He said the discussions required a high level of precision, with the two sides exchanging written opinions several times, reflecting the seriousness of both parties.

Araqchi added that the negotiating teams would return to their respective capitals to further evaluate the issues ahead of the next meeting, tentatively scheduled for the following Saturday.

-- BERNAMA-IRNA