Iran calls fourth round of US talks a 'step forward,' says focus shifts to 'contentious' issues

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the fourth round of “indirect” nuclear negotiations with the US as "more serious and frank" compared to the past three rounds.

Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of the latest round of talks in Muscat on Sunday, he said the two sides moved away from general discussions and entered into more specific details in this round.

He noted that there were more discussions on contentious issues this time, assessing the fourth round of talks as "a step forward."

He also informed that the next round of negotiations, mediated by Oman, will likely take place next week, indicating that the process is going to continue.

The latest round of talks between Tehran and Washington, which was delayed last week, came two days after US special envoy for West Asia and lead negotiator Steve Witkoff, in an interview, called for dismantling Iran's nuclear program.

His remarks drew sharp reactions, with Iran's state media quoting officials as saying that it validated their suspicion that the US is "addicted to its maximum pressure policy."

- Uranium enrichment program ‘non-negotiable'

Araghchi said that Iran's uranium enrichment program is “non-negotiable” and must continue.

"There may be some limitations accepted in certain aspects—such as the amount, level, or capacity—for a specified period to build trust, similar to what has been experienced in the past. However, the principle of enrichment is non-negotiable," he stated.

Iran's foreign minister further said that the main goal of the ongoing negotiations is to lift sanctions, which he said has been agreed upon by both sides.

On the issues of contention, Araghchi said the two sides have now come closer and a better understanding of each other's positions has been achieved.

"Iran's positions are completely transparent and are clear and understandable to the other side. I hope we will witness further progress in the course of the negotiations," Iran's lead nuclear negotiator said.

He also took exception to what he called "contradictory statements" made by US officials in media, which he said was one of the main topics in Sunday's discussions.

"Today's negotiations were constructive, and we hope to see less of such behavior going forward," he added.

- ‘Difficult but useful'

Earlier, Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman who is part of the delegation led by Araghchi, described the fourth round of talks as "difficult but useful."

He added that the next round will be coordinated and announced by Oman.

The meeting lasted more than three hours and included both direct and indirect exchanges, according to a senior US official quoted by several US media outlets.

“We are encouraged by today's outcome and look forward to our next meeting, which will happen in the near future,” the official said, adding that the two sides agreed to continue talks to work through technical elements.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, in a statement posted on X, said the latest round of Iran-US talks included "useful and original ideas reflecting a shared wish to reach an honorable agreement."

"The 5th round of talks will take place once both parties have consulted their leaderships," he stated.

The negotiations between Iran and the US, primarily focused on Iran's nuclear program, started last month with Omani mediation amid escalation of tensions.

The ongoing talks seek to reach a deal that would replace the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, that was reached in 2015.

The US, under Trump, walked out of the multilateral deal in May 2018, which led to a dramatic escalation of tensions between Iran and the US.