Iran's FM says nuclear deal with U.S. "within reach"

Alsharq Tribune-AFP 

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that an agreement with the United States to ensure the "continued peaceful nature" of Tehran's nuclear program is "within reach."

He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X as the sixth round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States is scheduled to take place on Sunday in the Omani capital Muscat.

"(U.S.) President (Donald) Trump entered office saying that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. That is actually in line with our own doctrine and could become the main foundation for a deal," he said.

Araghchi added that as the two sides would resume talks on Sunday, "it is clear that an agreement that can ensure the continued peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program is within reach -- and could be achieved rapidly."

The Iranian minister, however, stressed that the "mutually-beneficial outcome" depended on two conditions: "the continuation of Iran's enrichment program, under the full supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the effective termination of (U.S.) sanctions."

Since April, Iran and the United States have held five rounds of Omani-mediated indirect talks, three in Muscat and two in Rome, over Tehran's nuclear program and the possible lifting of U.S. sanctions.

Recently, the United States has repeatedly demanded that Iran completely cease uranium enrichment, a request firmly rejected by Tehran.