Fourth Round of Indirect Talks with U.S. More Serious and Detailed: Iran’s Foreign Minister
Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has described the fourth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States as markedly more serious and detailed than previous sessions, noting that the two sides have achieved a “better understanding” of each other’s positions.
Speaking to reporters in Muscat, where the talks were held under the mediation of Omani officials, Araqchi said the latest round advanced beyond general discussions and addressed specific points of contention—making the negotiations more challenging but also more constructive.
“Compared to the previous three rounds, this session was much more direct and serious. We moved away from generalities and focused on details, which naturally made the negotiations more difficult,” Araqchi stated.
Despite the increased complexity, he stressed that the dialogue had been beneficial. “Although the discussions were tough and frank, they were also highly productive. It can be said that both sides now have a better understanding of each other’s positions,” he added.
Araqchi emphasized that key areas of disagreement—particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions—were discussed in greater depth, leading to a modest narrowing of gaps between Tehran and Washington.
Both sides agreed to continue the dialogue, with the timing and location of the next round to be arranged in coordination with Oman based on the availability of both delegations, he noted.
The Iranian delegation was led by Araqchi, while the U.S. team was headed by Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Witkoff. The talks, which lasted several hours, were facilitated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.
The indirect negotiations mark the highest-level engagement between the two nations since the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018, as both parties seek potential pathways to revive diplomacy and ease long-standing tensions.
