Iran’s top negotiator said he hopes nuclear talks with the world powers can conclude during the outgoing administration of President Hassan Rouhani, but stressed that Tehran’s nuclear stance will not change under the administration of president-elect Ebrahim Raeisi.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke to NHK after the latest round of negotiations was wrapped up in Vienna on Sunday.
Iran and the US have been holding indirect talks to revive the 2015 agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. The US administration under Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Tehran.
His remarks came after Ebrahim Raeisi, a conservative cleric, won the presidential election on Friday. Raeisi is set to take office in August, replacing Rouhani, who has been seeking dialogue with the West.
Araqchi said the negotiations are closer to a deal than ever. He added that negotiators decided to conclude this round, and return home not only for further consultations, but also for decision-making.
He said he hopes to finish the negotiations, and even implement the deal, while the current government is still in office.
Araqchi also stressed that what matters most for Iran is to preserve its national interests. He said the difficult part of the talks still remains.
Asked about Tehran’s stance under the next president, Araqchi said Raeisi is a realistic, reasonable person, and that Iran’s position will not change even after the transition of government.
