Araghchi: A second round of talks with Washington is coming soon, without a specific date
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed on Saturday that there is a preliminary agreement between Tehran and Washington on the need to resume the diplomatic track, noting that the two sides agreed to hold a second round of talks soon, although no exact date has been set yet.
Araqchi’s statements came in excerpts published on his official Telegram channel and in an interview he gave to Al Jazeera, where he explained: “At the moment, no specific date has been set for the second round of negotiations, but we and the American side agree on the importance of holding it soon to complete what was previously proposed.”.
Diplomatic context and historical background
These statements come at a delicate and sensitive time in Iranian-American relations, particularly following the formation of the new Iranian government. Tehran has been seeking for years a way to lift the harsh economic sanctions imposed on it since the United States unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) in 2018 during the administration of former President Donald Trump.
Despite the long periods when direct and official negotiations were suspended, indirect communication channels were not completely cut off, as countries such as the Sultanate of Oman and Qatar played pivotal roles in conveying messages and exchanging views between the two sides, especially with regard to the files of prisoner exchange and the release of frozen assets.
The importance of the talks and their regional and international impact
Talk of a new round of negotiations is gaining paramount importance given the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Observers believe that resuming dialogue between Tehran and Washington could have a direct impact on de-escalating tensions in several contentious issues, from the wars in Gaza and Lebanon to maritime security in the Red Sea.
On the international level, the European powers (Britain, France, Germany) are watching closely for any progress in this direction, as reviving the nuclear agreement or reaching new understandings is considered a guarantee to limit the expansion of the Iranian nuclear program, which is a priority for international security and peace.
Future prospects
Despite Araqchi's cautious optimism, the path ahead remains fraught with challenges. The US administration faces domestic pressure as elections approach, while Tehran insists on tangible economic guarantees. Nevertheless, the mere announcement of the intention to hold a second round of talks indicates a desire on both sides to avoid reaching a point of no return and a preference for diplomatic options to manage their deep-seated differences.
