Iran clears stance about Rome being location for next round of 'indirect' talks with US

 

Iran's Foreign Ministry has cleared the air about the reports that Rome is expected to host the next round of the US-Iran talks. The second round of "indirect" talks between the countries is slated to be held this Saturday. 

 

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters in Tehran that the final decision on the location of the negotiations will be made only after negotiations with the Omani side.

 

Baghaei added that what was important was not the location of the talks but the fact that the format of the talks would remain indirect. "Of course, the location of the negotiations is not the main issue; what is important is the continuation of the form and framework of interaction between Iran and the United States, which will continue indirectly and with the mediation of Oman," he told reporters. 

 

He added that the Iranian delegation was in constant contact with the Omani side. "After officially receiving their comments, a final decision on the location of the negotiations will be made," he said. 

 

Baghaei's statement comes as US media Axios reported that the Trump administration wanted the next round of talks in Rome, a venue switch suggested by the US side. The Trump administration is happy about achieving its objectives. Though Axios claim that talks went from indirect to direct, Iran insists that the talks continue to be indirect.   

 

As per the reports, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke for around 45 minutes on Saturday, longer than was revealed publicly, though the Iranian sides insisted on publishing no photographs of the meetings. 

 

Baghaei also insisted that the talks would remain indirect while slamming the "contradictory statements" made by various American officials. The spokesperson said the Americans should "find a way to resolve these contradictions". "This is one of the main reasons for holding the negotiations indirectly," he added.

 

The top Iranian diplomat also stressed that the continuing threats were unacceptable to Iran. "One cannot claim to seek negotiations while continuing the policy of pressure, sanctions, and threats. This approach is absolutely unacceptable, and we have clearly stated our positions," he added.

 

Middle East