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Iranian Foreign Minister seeks Russia's support in nuclear talks

Politiko 2025-04-18 20:42:52

Iranian Foreign Minister seeks Russia's support in nuclear talks

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, has demanded that Russia play a role in the crucial talks on the fate of Tehran's nuclear programs, after expressing doubts about the United States' intentions on the eve of the second round of talks.

Speaking on Friday, together with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Araqchi said he still believes it is possible to reach an agreement. The Iranian diplomat is expected to meet on April 19 in Rome with White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for the second round of talks on Iran's nuclear programs.

"Although we have serious doubts about the goals and motives of the American side, we will participate in the negotiations tomorrow," Araqchi said in Moscow.

The first round of talks in Oman last week was the highest-level talks between Tehran and Washington since US President Donald Trump withdrew from a historic nuclear deal in 2018.

Western countries, including the United States, have long accused Iran of making efforts to build nuclear weapons. Tehran has repeatedly denied these accusations, insisting that its efforts have peaceful goals, such as electricity production.

Earlier in the week, Witkoff called for an end to all of Iran's uranium enrichment programs. International inspectors say Tehran has managed to enrich its uranium stockpiles by up to 60 percent - very close to the threshold where uranium is considered suitable for building nuclear weapons.

Araqchi responded on April 16, saying that Iran's uranium enrichment efforts are not a matter for discussion.

"If there is a similar willingness from the other side, and they give up unreasonable and unrealistic demands, I believe it is possible to reach an agreement," Araqchi said.

Since taking office in January, Trump has stepped up pressure on Iran, including sending more US air and naval forces to the region. But he has also called for direct talks with Iranian officials.

"I'm not asking for much," Trump said in early April, "but they can't have nuclear weapons."

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