Talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov kicked off on Friday afternoon in Moscow, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing key regional and international developments.
Lavrov welcomed Araghchi and his accompanying diplomatic delegation at the Russian Foreign Ministry headquarters earlier in the day.
The Iranian diplomat’s visit comes at the official invitation of his Russian counterpart. On the first day of his visit, Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and delivered a written message from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei.
🗣Russia is ready to facilitate the negotiation process between Iran and the US regarding Tehran’s nuclear program, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said during a press-conference after the talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. pic.twitter.com/7UF515XnHZ
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) April 18, 2025
Productive Dialogue with IAEA Chief
Before departing Tehran, Araghchi announced that he had held “fruitful” discussions with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who arrived in the Iranian capital late Thursday.
In a post on X, Araghchi wrote, “In the coming months, the IAEA can play a pivotal role in resolving the Iranian nuclear file through peaceful means.”
“At a time when some parties seek to undermine the negotiation process, we need a director general committed to peace. We place our trust in Mr. Grossi’s mission to keep the agency free from political influence and focused on its technical responsibilities,” he added.
Had useful discussion with visiting IAEA chief Grossi. In the coming months, the Agency can play a crucial role in peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear file.
As variety of spoilers are gathered to derail current negotiations, we need a Director General of Peace.
Our… pic.twitter.com/bwWokSnGZj
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 17, 2025
Indirect Talks with the US to Continue in Rome
Araghchi also announced that he will travel to Rome on Saturday to participate in the second round of indirect negotiations with the United States over Iran’s nuclear program.
He clarified that Italy is not the official host of the talks but merely the location where they are taking place: “The Sultanate of Oman remains the official host of the indirect negotiations. We will attend wherever the host deems appropriate, and the task of mediation and facilitating indirect communication continues to fall under the responsibility of Oman’s Foreign Minister and government.”
Source: Al-Manar Website
