Iran-US talks grow ...
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“The atmosphere was quite serious,” Araghchi told Iranian TV after the meeting, adding that the two sides moved away from broader topics.
“This does not mean our differences have been resolved. There are still disagreements on both major issues and on the details,” he pointed out.
The top diplomat added that the delegations would go back to their capitals for “further review” of the issues raised in order to “narrow down differences” and would reconvene probably next Saturday in a venue to be determined later.
Cautious optimism
He expressed “extremely cautious optimism” about progress in the talks as there were issues over which “general understandings” needed to be achieved before any discussion on their details.
Araghchi said he was “satisfied” with the pace and course of the negotiations though there were “some very serious disagreements” on certain issued which “would defiantly take time” to be resolved.
“I believe that there is willpower in the opposing side. We definitely have willpower, but whether an agreement can be reached is uncertain. I am optimistic, but very cautious.”
The Iranian negotiating team for this round included economic experts and specialists from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran are expected to join the talks next week, according to Araghchi.
The Iranian minister reiterated that the talks had so far focused on nuclear-related matters and “no other issues” had been touched on in the course of the meetings.
Iran has time and again said that its defense capabilities including its ballistic missile program is not up for negotiations.
“Our topic is solely nuclear which means trust-building over Iran’s nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions,” he said.
A senior US administration official hailed the talks with Iran as “positive and productive,” and said the two sides had agreed to meet again soon in Europe.
“This latest round of direct and indirect discussions lasted over four hours. There is still much to do, but further progress was made on getting to a deal,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
“We agreed to meet again soon, in Europe, and we thank our Omani partners for facilitating these talks.”