Next Round of Nuclear Negotiations to Be Held 'At the Deputy Level' of Foreign Ministers

Iran's Foreign Minister announced on Tuesday evening that the next round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 countries will take place in December at the level of deputy foreign ministers. According to the state news agency IRNA, Mohammad Javad Zarif stated on Tuesday, December 9, 'Our friends are determining the date in December for negotiations that should ideally be held at the deputy level.' He added, 'These discussions will continue until we reach a conclusion.' Zarif had previously emphasized on December 3, following a seven-month extension of the negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program, that the goal is to reach a political agreement in the 'shortest time' within 'four months' (by March). According to parliamentary representatives, Abbas Araqchi, Deputy Foreign Minister, stated on Tuesday, December 9, in a session of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament, 'It has been agreed that in the next four months, we will reach a general agreement in the sessions and in the following three months, we will discuss and exchange views on the details.' These representatives also mentioned that Araqchi indicated that the Western side has made 'changes in its demands and red lines.' Zarif further stated on Tuesday, 'We have always said that if there is political will and no excessive demands, as the Supreme Leader has explicitly stated, we are ready to accept a logical, fair, and reasonable solution.' He emphasized, 'In response to any bullying and coercive actions, we not only resist but also consider such actions doomed to failure.' Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, mentioned on Tuesday that in the nuclear negotiations with the P5+1 countries, topics such as 'enrichment,' 'heavy water,' 'sanctions,' and 'Fordow' are being discussed, and the parties have come closer on these 'issues.' The Iranian Foreign Minister also commented on Catherine Ashton’s role in the nuclear negotiations with Iran, stating, 'This decision must be made by the European Union; we have heard different news regarding the roles that Ms. Ashton and Ms. Mogherini will play.' Reports indicate that despite having stepped down from her position as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton will continue to play a key role as a special advisor to the new EU representative and coordinator of nuclear talks with Tehran. Federica Mogherini, the newly appointed senior representative of the EU for security and foreign policy, appointed Ashton as her special advisor in this regard on December 5.