Iran Quashes Media Rumors: Sets the Record Straight on U.S. Talks

Tehran has firmly dismissed recent media speculations regarding its indirect negotiations with Washington concerning Iran’s civilian nuclear program and the potential lifting of U.S. sanctions. These discussions have been a focal point for both nations, but Iran’s Foreign Ministry emphasizes that the details shared in the media are not accurate.

“We do not confirm the details raised about the issues raised in the Iran-U.S. talks. They are merely media speculations,” stated Esmaeil Baqaei, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, during a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday.

He further clarified, “The details of the negotiations are not to be discussed in the media, and we do not confirm any of the issues raised.”

Recent talks between Tehran and Washington included two rounds held in:

• Muscat, Oman, on April 12
• Rome, Italy, on April 19

The third round is scheduled for April 26 in Muscat.

Baqaei emphasized the need for the termination of unlawful U.S. sanctions against Iran, stating, “In any talks, the Islamic Republic’s demand is the termination of the sanctions in a way that would lead to tangible effects.” He added, “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.”

In terms of diplomatic relations, Baqaei noted that Iran maintains regular communication with the European troika—Britain, France, and Germany—who are signatories to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This agreement was unilaterally abandoned by the U.S. in 2018.

He mentioned, “Consultations are also ongoing with China and Russia,” referring to these nations as long-time partners of Iran. “We have kept them informed from the outset,” he affirmed.

Baqaei reiterated that U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA are still in effect, placing legal responsibilities on all signatories.

When addressing European threats to invoke the snapback mechanism, he described such actions as “unconstructive.” He expressed Iran’s seriousness regarding the removal of sanctions imposed on its citizens.

Regarding the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the negotiations, Baqaei confirmed that the IAEA continues to monitor Iran’s nuclear program. “The agency acts based on its statute and the treaties governing its relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran as a member state,” he explained. “So, within that framework and in accordance with pre-established procedures, the agency’s inspections and monitoring will continue.”

In response to rumors about a meeting in Rome between the deputy foreign minister for political affairs and the IAEA director general, Baqaei categorically dismissed them as false. “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,” he clarified, adding that no new issues necessitated further talks.