While the initial talks between Iran and Russia have been characterized as constructive by both parties, and a commitment that they shall continue, Iran is also keen on conducting a side discussion with both Russia and China. Yesterday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi held a meeting with both the ambassadors from China and from Russia. He posted that they had discussed “issues of interest to us.” The IRNA news agency also has Foreign Minister Araghchi confirming this contact in an interview today: “We are continuing our consultations with China and Russia. China and Russia are two friendly countries and our strategic partners. Yesterday, my deputy met with the Chinese and Russian ambassadors and briefed them on the details and progress of the negotiations. We will continue to consult with them.”
In his press conference, Araghchi identified the accumulation of deep mistrust of the U.S. as the most serious obstacle facing the negotiations. He said this distrust—rooted in past experiences and intensified in recent months—must first be addressed before any new framework for dialogue can be designed that genuinely secures the interests of the Iranian people, added the West Asia News Agency.
