Iran’s foreign minister, IAEA chief discuss developments in nuclear talks with US

ANKARA

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with the UN nuclear watchdog chief, Rafael Grossi, over the phone on Wednesday to discuss the developments in indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States.

The two sides reviewed developments related to Tuesday’s round of talks between Iran and the US in Geneva and preparations for a framework of the next round of negotiations, the state news agency IRNA reported.

Araghchi expressed satisfaction with Grossi’s participation in the Geneva talks, noting that Iran is focused on developing “an initial and coherent framework” to advance future negotiations.

Grossi, for his part, described the outcomes of the talks as “positive,” adding that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is ready to provide support and cooperation in shaping the negotiation framework.

Washington has significantly stepped up its military presence in the region, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group with USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier on its way to the region, along with additional fighter jets.

Araghchi said talks with the US showed progress, describing the atmosphere as "more constructive."

US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday described negotiations as productive "in some ways," but said Tehran was "not yet willing" to engage on some of US President Donald Trump's "red lines."

The Geneva meeting was the second round of negotiations since Trump ordered strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities last June. The first round was held in Muscat, Oman, on Feb. 6.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.