Negotiation between Zarif's Deputies and Representatives of Three European Countries in Istanbul

The Iranian nuclear negotiation team, consisting of deputies of Mohammad Javad Zarif, met this morning, Thursday, February 9, in Istanbul with representatives from three European countries in the 1+5 group. These negotiations are set to continue in the afternoon of Thursday as well. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, IRNA, the Iranian negotiating team, led by Abbas Araqchi, will sit at the negotiation table with their counterparts Hans Dieter Lucas from Germany, Simon Gass from the UK, and Nicolas Dorrivier from France. Helga Schmid, Deputy Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs of the European Union, is also expected to participate in these discussions. Additionally, the Iranian negotiating team will hold bilateral meetings with some of these three European countries. In this context, Marzieh Afkham, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated on Wednesday, February 8, at a press conference with journalists about the proximity of a nuclear agreement and the negotiations between Iran's deputies and representatives of the three European countries in Istanbul: 'The deputies will have a one-day negotiation in Istanbul, which includes group discussions and separate meetings with European deputies.' Ms. Afkham emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran insists on reaching an understanding as soon as possible, stating: 'We are seeking an understanding, but not at any cost; however, we will use every opportunity for dialogue and progress in negotiations and to assist the ongoing process, and we have witnessed that there have been very intensive negotiations over the past month, utilizing every opportunity to find solutions to more difficult issues.' On the other hand, on Wednesday, February 8, Ali Akbar Velayati, special representative of Hassan Rouhani and advisor on international affairs to the Supreme Leader of Iran, met in Moscow with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, to discuss various issues, including nuclear negotiations. In this context, Mr. Velayati, in response to a question about whether the nuclear negotiations and countering sanctions were discussed with the Russian President, told Fars News Agency: 'These topics were also discussed, and Mr. Putin stated that he would strive to provide assistance that Russia can offer.' Previously, the Iranian Foreign Minister described negotiations with John Kerry, his American counterpart, as 'frank and serious' and stated: 'The negotiations have become complicated, and we have entered into details, and if the other side is ready, we are prepared to reach a conclusion in February, coinciding with the anniversary of the victory of the revolution.' Iran and the six global powers, which reached a six-month nuclear agreement last December, have extended the interim Geneva agreement twice due to the lack of a comprehensive nuclear agreement. It has been agreed that the parties will reach a 'political agreement' by March and achieve a final nuclear agreement by July 10. Meanwhile, the United States Congress, which is predominantly Republican, is attempting to pass new sanctions against Tehran, but Barack Obama, the President of the United States, has warned that this congressional action would mean the failure of diplomacy and would therefore veto it.