TEHRAN -- Iran’s foreign 
minister says indirect talks with the U.S. in Rome on Saturday yielded progress on principles of a potential agreement, warning, though, that any sense of optimism has to be accompanied with great caution.
In a post on X, Abbas Araghchi said the “relatively positive atmosphere” characterizing the talks in the Italian capital resulted in progress on the foundational aspects of a “possible deal.”
The top diplomat commented on Iran’s stance on the 2015 nuclear accord between the Islamic Republic and world countries, which is officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Washington left the deal three years after its conclusion, before returning the illegal and unilateral sanctions that it had lifted as per the agreement, and piling up even more coercive measures on Tehran.
“We made clear how many in Iran believe that the JCPOA is no longer good enough for us. To them, what is left from that deal are ‘lessons learned.’ Personally, I tend to agree,” Araghchi wrote.
Araghchi also noted that “the initiation of expert-level track will begin in coming days with a view to hammer out details. After that, we will be in a better position to judge.”
“For now, optimism may be warranted, but only with a great deal of caution.”
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei thanked Italy and Oman for facilitating the process.
“We leave Rome with a sense of deep appreciation to Italy and Oman for co-hosting this important round of Iran-United States indirect talks,” he said.
Baghaei reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy in the face of global instability. “We remain committed to the cause of dialogue and diplomacy as our world continues to face unprecedented challenges and threats to the rule of law and common human values,” he wrote.