Iran Quashes Media Rumors: No Talks with the U.S. on the Horizon

Tehran has recently dismissed media speculation regarding the ongoing indirect negotiations with Washington concerning Iran’s civilian nuclear program and the potential lifting of U.S. sanctions. This statement highlights the complexities surrounding the diplomatic discussions between the two nations.

During a weekly press conference in Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized that, “We do not confirm the details raised about the issues raised in the Iran-U.S. talks. They are merely media speculations.” He further stated, “The details of the negotiations are not to be discussed in the media, and we do not confirm any of the issues raised.”

Key points from Baqaei’s briefing include:

• Tehran and Washington have engaged in two rounds of indirect talks, held in Muscat, Oman on April 12 and in Rome, Italy on April 19.
• The third round of discussions is scheduled for April 26 in Muscat.
• Baqaei reiterated Iran’s core demand: the termination of U.S. sanctions to enable normal economic, commercial, and banking activities.

He asserted, “The Islamic Republic of Iran must be able to carry out its economic, commercial, and banking activities normally, and there must also be assurances that past negative experiences will not be repeated.”

Additionally, Baqaei confirmed that Iran maintains regular contact with the European signatories of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), namely Britain, France, and Germany. He mentioned that Iran is also in consultation with China and Russia, longstanding partners of the nation. “We have kept them informed from the outset,” he added.

Regarding the legal frameworks governing these discussions, Baqaei stated, “U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA remain in place, and all signatories bear legal responsibilities under these frameworks.”

When addressing European threats to invoke the snapback mechanism, Baqaei remarked that such actions are “unconstructive.” He assured that Iran is serious about removing the sanctions placed on its people.

On the topic of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its role in the negotiations, Baqaei confirmed that IAEA inspections of Iran’s nuclear program are ongoing. “The agency acts based on its statute and the treaties governing its relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran as a member state,” he stated.

In response to rumors about a meeting in Rome between the deputy foreign minister for political affairs and the IAEA director general, Baqaei categorically denied these claims, labeling them as completely false. He clarified, “The IAEA director general’s presence in Rome was his own decision. We had no conversation or meeting with him there. Our discussions with him took place in Tehran,” concluding that there were no new issues necessitating further discussions.