Tehran's conditions before further talks
Khatibzade explained that despite maintaining contact between the parties, Iran demands to first finalize the “framework agreement” with the US. Only after reaching such an agreement is Tehran ready to start face-to-face talks. The deputy minister also emphasized that the United States should take into account the issues raised by Iran, including Western sanctions imposed on this country.
The US president said earlier on Saturday that “very good talks” were taking place with Iran. He added that Iran “agreed to everything”, including the indefinite renunciation of uranium enrichment and the joint removal of stocks of enriched uranium from its territory.
Pakistan is mediating in the negotiations
The parties have not yet agreed on the date or place of the next round of US-Iranian talks. Pakistani authorities are playing an intermediary role in the negotiations, and the capital Islamabad hosted the first meeting last weekend. Trump said on Thursday that the next phase of talks could take place on Saturday or Sunday. He also hinted that he may personally fly to Pakistan if the deal is ready to be finalized.
The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. In response, Tehran launched strikes against the Persian Gulf states and virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz. There is currently a two-week truce in force, which expires on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday.
