Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that the two sides have reached an understanding on most of the elements that could form the basis of a nuclear agreement with the United States, following the conclusion of the third round of talks held in Geneva.
Speaking to IRNA after the negotiations concluded, Araghchi described the atmosphere as notably serious, noting that the day's session was divided into two rounds — a morning meeting lasting approximately four hours and an afternoon session following internal consultations by both delegations. "This time, the talks were more serious and lengthier," Araghchi said, adding that the two sides had discussed the components that could constitute a final agreement. "There is an understanding on most of these elements, but how to address them requires further detailed discussions."
To advance technical aspects of the negotiations, Araghchi announced that Iranian experts would meet with the International Atomic Energy Agency the following Monday to clarify certain technical issues before they are referred back to political-level meetings for final decisions. A fourth round of talks is expected within approximately one week, with the precise date to be confirmed through telephone consultations between the parties.
The diplomatic momentum was further underscored by Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei, who confirmed separately that communication channels between Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff remain open. "When we see the time is appropriate and we need them, we will use them," Baghaei told reporters at his weekly press conference, noting that the Swiss Embassy in Tehran serves as one conduit for such communications.
Baghaei reiterated Iran's longstanding position that Tehran has never abandoned the negotiating table. "We have always been committed to the principle of diplomacy and negotiation based on mutual interests, mutual respect, and acceptance of the other party's concerns," he said, while cautioning that "sending contradictory messages shows a lack of seriousness and does not help in any way."
The spokesman also criticised what he described as foreign interference in recent domestic unrest in Iran, linking the instability to what he called a continuation of external aggression. He warned that all such actions would be documented at the international level.
The Geneva talks mark the most substantive diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington in years, with both sides signalling cautious optimism about the prospects of a deal.