Diplomatic lines buzzed again as IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi connected via phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday evening. Tehran’s Foreign Ministry released particulars of the prior day’s exchange, focusing on indirect negotiations with the US.
Key topics included emerging facets of Iran-US indirect dialogues. Araghchi spotlighted Tehran’s collaborative approach, vowing diplomatic pursuit of NPT-compliant nuclear rights for civilian purposes.
Grossi hailed Geneva proceedings positively and offered IAEA’s hand in refining negotiation scaffolds. Consensus emerged on fostering productive dialogue toward enduring pacts.
A week brings their second telephonic rendezvous; Wednesday’s delved into Geneva takeaways and formats. Iran plans to polish a proposal for Steve Witkoff, hinting at imminent rigorous bargaining. Broader regional concerns were aired, Iran insisting on equitable terms.
February 16’s Geneva prelude saw Araghchi strategize with IAEA before US indirect round two, fine-tuning Iran’s narrative and igniting worldwide speculation.
His X update affirmed presence in Geneva for equitable deals, signaling sanctions-for-relief openness. Oman’s shuttle diplomacy kicked off in Muscat, continued in Geneva—Araghchi deemed it fruitful on nuclear and penalty fronts.
Contrasting US tones, including Trump’s 10-day deadline remark, temper enthusiasm. These engagements underscore a pivotal juncture, where sustained communication could unlock progress or expose fractures in global non-proliferation efforts.