Why it matters:
Araghchi's cautious optimism reflects a potential shift towards more serious dialogue, which could pave the way for future agreements.
The big picture:
Following the conclusion of the third round of indirect negotiations in Muscat, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the constructive nature of the discussions.
What he's saying:
Iranian top diplomat expressed gratitude to the Omani government for its facilitation and noted that the talks had progressed to more serious and technical matters. Araghchi mentioned that both sides exchanged written questions and responses, indicating a deeper engagement in the negotiation process. While acknowledging existing differences, he stressed the need for further discussions to bridge gaps.
Key points:
- The talks have shifted from broad issues to more detailed and technical discussions, with the involvement of economic experts.
- Araghchi indicated that the next round of negotiations is likely to take place next Saturday, with both he and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff participating.
- The Iranian delegation included Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi, while Michael Anton led the U.S. expert team.
Go deeper:
The shift towards technical discussions suggests that both sides are willing to engage more deeply with the complexities of the issues at hand. The inclusion of economic experts in the talks indicates a recognition of the broader implications of the talks for lifting sanctions.
Hamed Shahbazi
