Iraqchi: Iran's Nuclear Negotiations with Three European Countries to be Held on Thursday in Istanbul

The two-day nuclear negotiations between Iranian and American officials concluded on Saturday, January 24, in Zurich, and expert discussions between Iran and three countries—Germany, Britain, and France—are scheduled to take place on February 9 in Istanbul. According to the Central News Unit, Abbas Iraqchi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated on Saturday: "The Iranian negotiating team will engage in discussions with representatives from Germany, France, and Britain regarding the nuclear issue at the level of deputies and experts in Istanbul on Thursday." Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that the negotiations between the Iranian delegation, led by Abbas Iraqchi, and the American delegation, led by Wendy Sherman, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, concluded after two days of talks on Saturday. During these negotiations, the delegations addressed the contentious issues surrounding Iran's nuclear program. After Iran and the U.S., along with Britain, France, China, Russia, and Germany (the P5+1), failed to reach a comprehensive agreement by the set deadline to resolve the nuclear dispute, the negotiations were extended for seven months. Key points of contention between Iran and the P5+1 include the lifting of sanctions, enrichment capacity, and the number of Iran's centrifuges. "Entering into details does not mean reaching a definitive agreement," Iraqchi noted in an interview with the Central News Unit, emphasizing that while the atmosphere of negotiations is constructive and useful discussions have taken place, both sides have serious concerns and disagreements. He added that efforts are being made to bring all these issues closer to a common understanding. Iraqchi stated, "We are in a position where details and generalities must be examined together. All details must be clarified, and both sides must be in a position to make decisions regarding the generalities and the main subject." He expressed hope that the negotiations, which have taken on a serious and direct form, would lead to a closer alignment of views and resolution of differences.