Iran’s FM to Deliver Khamenei’s Message to Putin Amid US-Iran Negotiations

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has announced that he will be delivering a message from Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin during an upcoming visit to Moscow. Araqchi confirmed this during a briefing with reporters following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, explaining that the primary goal of his trip is to personally convey the Leader’s written communication to the Russian leadership.

This announcement comes as Iran and the United States are preparing for a second round of indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, on April 19, following the first round on April 12. Araqchi also expressed concerns over the contradictory statements made by Steve Witkoff, the U.S. chief negotiator, regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Araqchi noted that such contradictory remarks were unhelpful and could complicate the negotiation process.

The foreign minister reiterated that if the U.S. continues to adopt conflicting positions, it will only hinder progress. He specifically criticized Witkoff’s statement that Iran must halt its nuclear enrichment program, which he felt contradicted a previous statement where Witkoff had suggested that the U.S. might accept low-level enrichment for energy purposes. Araqchi emphasized that negotiations should be based on equality and mutual respect, warning that pressure and imposition would not lead to any positive outcomes.