Russia Willing to Aid in Iran-US Nuclear Negotiations

Moscow, April 18 (NationPress) Russia is prepared to assist in potential nuclear deal discussions between Iran and the US, provided that these agreements honor Iran's interests, stated the country's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday.

"We welcomed the willingness, as far as we can see, to achieve objective and mutually acceptable agreements, including those being discussed by Iran and the United States," Lavrov mentioned during a joint press conference following discussions with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Moscow.

"Russia is certainly ready to facilitate this process and will do its utmost to support agreements that take into account Iran's legitimate interests," he added.

During the press conference, Araghchi remarked that the indirect discussions between Iran and the US are scheduled to continue in Rome on Saturday. "We are waiting to hear the viewpoints of the American side. If there is sufficient seriousness and determination, it is likely that a deal can be reached," he stated.

The Iranian Foreign Minister highlighted that Tehran will approach the upcoming talks with seriousness and full determination, despite "serious doubts" regarding the intentions of the other side.

"We are fully prepared for a peaceful resolution to Iran's peaceful nuclear program, and if there is a similar will from the other side, and they do not impose unreasonable and unrealistic demands, I believe that reaching an agreement is achievable," Araghchi said.

The Foreign Minister also conveyed Iran's gratitude for Russia's involvement in the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and expressed hope that Moscow would maintain its supportive role in any new agreements.

"We will keep our friends in Russia, and certainly China, updated about the developments," Araghchi noted, stressing his confidence that constructive feedback will foster progress.

Araghchi and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff are set to continue their indirect discussions on Saturday. The dialogue mainly revolves around Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions on the country.

In the first round of talks held in Muscat last week, Araghchi participated in "indirect" discussions with Witkoff, facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. The talks centered on Iran's nuclear program and the potential removal of US sanctions.

The negotiations were initiated by US President Donald Trump, who warned Iran with military action and secondary tariffs if an agreement regarding its nuclear program was not reached.

Iran entered into a nuclear agreement, formally recognized as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with six major countries — Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States — in July 2015, accepting limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

However, the US exited the agreement in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions, leading Iran to reduce some of its nuclear commitments. Efforts to revive the nuclear deal have yet to yield significant progress.