Iranian state media expressed optimism about the recent conclusion of a fourth round of “indirect” discussions with President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkov, on Monday. Iranian officials described the dialogue as more serious and straightforward, though there were no updates on specific policies.
In March, President Trump revealed he had sent a letter to Tehran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indicating a willingness to engage in talks, particularly concerning Iran’s controversial nuclear enrichment efforts. Khamenei had previously labeled discussions with the US as “intellectually dishonorable,” but it seems he recognizes the necessity of dialogue in response to Trump’s overtures. Iran refers to the talks as “indirect,” with intermediaries facilitating communications between the US and Iranian teams.
On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Witkov wrapped up their latest round of discussions in Muscat, Oman. While the talks have yet to yield significant agreements, Araghchi noted feeling optimistic about the subtle advancements being made.
“I’m seeing us begin to delve into more specific issues rather than sticking to generalities,” Araghchi commented to Iran’s PressTV. “Certainly, this makes negotiations tougher, but despite the complexity, we found the exchanges to be productive.”
He termed the recent discussions a “Step Forward” and mentioned Iran’s eagerness for a fifth round of negotiations.
“We’re ready to advance in the next session, and both parties are committed,” he stated. “The exact timing and location will depend on the Omani Foreign Minister’s schedule. We expect to reconvene in about a week.”
During a Cabinet meeting on Sunday, Iranian President Masuud Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s serious commitment to the negotiations.
“We’re pursuing these dialogues because we want to foster peace. Our aim is to enhance stability and security in our region,” Pezeshkian remarked. “I truly believe that the countries in this area should coexist harmoniously.”
Subservient to Khamenei, the Iranian president took the opportunity to criticize Israel, a country Iran often threatens.
“There’s no need for outside intervention to resolve our issues. The Zionist regime is the one sowing discord in the region,” he said, as reported by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
The specific goals of cooperation with the United States remain unclear, but both sides seem focused on addressing the US’s stance against Iran’s nuclear program and Iran’s demand for the lifting of economic sanctions related to its nuclear activities.
In an interview with Breitbart News posted on Friday, Witkov emphasized that preventing Iran, labeled as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities is a top priority for the Trump administration.
“There will be no enrichment program in Iran again. That’s our non-negotiable point,” Witkov stated. “No enrichment means no weapons development, and that necessitates dismantling facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.”
Witkov also referenced Israeli and US concerns, suggesting that the outcome of the talks might resemble the 2015 Iranian nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear development. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has noted that Iran largely disregarded its responsibilities under the JCPOA, leading to its eventual collapse.
“Firstly, we have no plans to lift sanctions, and there’s no timeline for their obligations. We don’t have a JCPOA agreement that makes sense,” Witkov commented. “It was largely ineffective. I believe Iran cannot maintain centrifuges or undertake any actions that could lead to weaponization.”
Later, PressTV criticized Witkov’s remarks, labeling them “deeply inflammatory and non-diplomatic.”
Araghchi explained that Witkov had made “contradictory statements,” disputing the red lines he set in the interview.
“Enrichment is a significant achievement for us and a point of pride. It comes at great cost, including the sacrifice of nuclear scientists. This is absolutely non-negotiable,” he argued.
“From our standpoint, enrichment must go on without compromise,” Araghchi affirmed elsewhere. “We might consider temporary limits on levels or quantities to build trust, but the fundamental right to enrichment is untouched.”
A senior Iranian diplomat noted that “the aim of these discussions is to achieve relief from sanctions.”
