Iran FM says has 'serious doubts' over US intentions ahead of talks

Iran FM says has 'serious doubts' over US intentions ahead of talks
by AFP Staff Writers
Moscow (AFP) April 18, 2025

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday cast doubt over the intentions of the United States a day before a second round of nuclear talks with Washington.

The new round will come a week after the longtime foes held their highest-level negotiations since US President Donald Trump abandoned a landmark nuclear deal in 2018.

"Although we have serious doubts about the intentions and motivations of the American side, in any case we will participate in tomorrow's negotiations," Araghchi said during a press conference in Moscow with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

Araghchi will set off on Saturday for Rome for a fresh round of Omani-mediated talks with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

"We are fully prepared to pursue a peaceful resolution for Iran's peaceful nuclear programme," Araghchi said.

Lavrov said Moscow was ready "to play any role that will be useful from Iran's point of view and that will be acceptable to the United States."

Russia, which commands the world's largest confirmed arsenal of nuclear weapons, has deepened its military ties with Iran since it launched its offensive on Ukraine in February 2022.

Western countries including the United States have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons -- an allegation Tehran has consistently denied, insisting that its programme is for peaceful civilian purposes.

On Tuesday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the country's military capabilities were off limits in the discussions.

The official IRNA news agency reported Iran's regional influence and its missile capabilities -- long criticised by Western governments -- were among its "red lines" in the talks.

On Wednesday, the Iranian foreign minister said Iran's enrichment of uranium was not up for discussion, after Witkoff called for it to end.

"If there is similar willingness on the other side, and they refrain from making unreasonable and unrealistic demands, I believe reaching an agreement is likely," Araghchi said during the press conference.

Lavrov emphasised that any potential agreement should only pertain to the nuclear issue.

"This is a fundamental point that must be taken into account by those who try to burden the negotiations with non-nuclear issues and thus create a very risky situation," he said.

Israel on Friday reiterated its unwavering commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, saying it had a "clear course of action" to prevent this.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I, along with all relevant bodies, are committed to leading a clear course of action that will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons," said Defence Minister Israel Katz.

Iran stages nationwide Army Day parades
Tehran (AFP) April 18, 2025 - Iran staged military parades on Friday to mark its annual Army Day celebrations, showcasing a wide array of its latest domestically built drones, missiles, tanks, and other hardware.

The events coincided with the eve of the second round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which will be held in Rome on Saturday.

Domestically developed drones, including the jet-powered Karrar, Arash, and Mohajer models, were shown in the parade in Tehran, state television reported.

In addition to the capital, military parades were also staged in other major cities.

The Tehran event also featured Russian-made S-300 air defence systems.

It was attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian, who praised the army as the nation's "strong fortress" and credited it with asserting the country's regional influence.

The military display came a day before delegations from Iran and the United States were set to meet in the Italian capital for a second round of indirect nuclear talks mediated by Oman.

The first round, held in Muscat last Saturday, was described by both sides as "constructive".

In March, US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging renewed negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme and warning of military action if diplomacy fails.

On Thursday, Trump said he is "not in a rush" to attack Iranian nuclear facilities, adding: "I think Iran wants to talk."

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who represents Tehran in the talks, said on Thursday "we are fully serious in these talks", and "based on the other side's approach, will assess how to proceed".

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff represents Washington in the talks.

A New York Times report on Wednesday said Trump had blocked an Israeli plan to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, deciding instead to prioritise diplomatic outreach.

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, even as the Iran-US talks continue.