Iran to Confront U.S. Sanctions and Contradictory Policies in Upcoming Talks, Says Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

In recent developments regarding the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, the Iranian negotiating team is set to address significant concerns about the U.S.’s contradictory stances and the persistent sanctions. This critical dialogue aims to create a more stable diplomatic environment.

During a statement made to Iranian television on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized that each round of talks is shaped by its own unique circumstances and sensitivities. Here are some key details about the latest negotiations:

• Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has arrived in Rome, Italy, to participate in the fifth round of indirect talks with the U.S. President’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
• The discussions are being mediated by Oman, highlighting the country’s role in facilitating dialogue.
• Araqchi has already completed four rounds of negotiations, which included three meetings in Muscat and one in Rome, all conducted indirectly with Witkoff.
• The Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi has been instrumental in facilitating these discussions.

Accompanying Araqchi in this delegation are key figures such as Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-e-Ravanchi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi, and several other diplomats and experts.

Before his departure for Italy on Friday, Araqchi expressed his thoughts on social media platform X, stating, “Figuring out the path to a deal is not rocket science: Zero nuclear weapons = we DO have a deal. Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal.” This statement underscores Iran’s firm stance on the terms of the negotiations.