Esmaeil Baqaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that “the next round of talks will likely take place somewhere other than Oman,” and emphasized that Iran’s main position in the negotiations is the lifting of unjust and illegal sanctions. He also announced that Araqchi will visit Moscow later this week.

Axar.az reports according to ISNA, Baqaei said that, according to prior arrangements, the Deputy Foreign Minister will travel to Russia later this week, where various issues, including the latest developments in Muscat, will be discussed.

He reiterated that the visit had been planned in advance.

In response to a question, Baqaei stressed: “Our main position in indirect negotiations with the United States is the lifting of unjust and illegal sanctions imposed on the Iranian people. This is our serious and fundamental demand, and we are pursuing it firmly in the negotiations.”

Baqaei also responded to a question about the location of the next round of Iran-U.S. talks, saying: “As the Foreign Minister mentioned, the next round will likely take place somewhere other than Oman.”

He added: “I don’t think the location is important. What matters is that the negotiations will continue indirectly and through Omani mediation.”

Baqaei said the necessary arrangements for the location of the talks will be handled by the intermediary, thanking Oman for its efforts during the first round. “We hope an appropriate decision will be made for the next round,” he said.

He also confirmed that Iran remains in contact with Oman, and decisions will be made after consulting with them.

Commenting on recent remarks by the U.S. State Department spokesperson about Iran needing to show more seriousness, Baqaei said: “There are contradictions in the positions voiced by different U.S. officials. They must resolve these contradictions.”

“One reason we’re negotiating indirectly is because you can’t claim to want talks while simultaneously applying pressure,” he said. “Such an approach is completely unacceptable.”