Geneva, Feb. 27 (ANI) — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the third round of indirect talks with the United States in Geneva produced “good progress” on Tehran’s nuclear programme and on steps toward sanctions relief, despite rising tensions between the two countries.
Araghchi called the session one of the most serious and longest to date, saying the delegations met for nearly four hours in the morning and more than two hours in the afternoon. The discussions were held indirectly with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi facilitating exchanges between the sides.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, attended parts of the talks and participated in technical discussions. “Mr. Grossi’s presence was valuable for the technical discussions, and as usual, Mr. Al-Busaidi contributed well. During these long and intensive hours, we made good progress,” Araghchi said.
He added both sides demonstrated increased seriousness about finding a negotiated solution, addressing elements related to the nuclear file and sanctions. “On some issues there is now an understanding, and on others it is natural that we have differences,” he said.
Technical teams are due to meet in Vienna on Monday, with IAEA experts assisting, to carry out reviews and develop a framework to resolve key technical questions. Iran has set out clear expectations for sanctions relief. Further consultations will take place in the respective capitals and a fourth round of talks is expected next week. The negotiations come amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the region and advisories from several countries urging their citizens to leave Iran over concerns about possible strikes.
