Iranian and Egyptian FMs discuss Gaza, N-talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke to his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty in a telephone conversation over the weekend where issues of mutual interest discussed.

Their talks centred on a wide range of topics including regional developments like breach of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire, and Iran’s nuclear program talks, according to official statements released in Tehran and Cairo.

Egypt has been mediating between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on one side Tehran and Washington on the other.

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Araghchi “voiced his serious concern” over the renewed attacks by Israel resulting in the “death and injuring of dozens of Palestinians”.

The Palestinian group Hamas said in its account on Telegram channel that it has sent a delegation to Cairo led by head of the Gaza Office Khalil al-Hayya for talks with the Egyptian mediators.

“The Egyptian side was also informed of Iran’s views regarding the nuclear issue,” read Iran’s statement.

On Saturday, Araghchi in a post on X said Iran, Russia, and China in a joint letter to UN secretary general and the Security Council “reaffirmed that Resolution 2231 on nuclear sanctions terminated” on October 18 and that the attempt to reinstall sanctions is “legally and procedurally flawed”.

"China, Iran and Russia 'affirm that the attempt by E3 to trigger the so-called snapback is, by default, legally and procedurally flawed'," he reiterated referring to the European trio of France, Germany and the U.K.

In the meantime, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Abdelatty also held phone calls with U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Steve Witkoff and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

“The discussions focused on efforts to support security, stability, and de-escalation in the region following the signing of the Cairo Agreement between Iran and the U.N. nuclear watchdog on September 9, about new mode of cooperation including on inspections,” it added.

According to the Egyptian statement, both parties agreed to maintain contact to consider the proposals and to achieve the expected progress in Iran’s nuclear program talks.

"During these calls, the need to continue efforts to reduce tensions, build confidence, and create conditions for the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the United States to reach a comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue that takes into account the interests of all parties and contributes to achieving regional security and stability was discussed.”

Iran suspended its relations with the IAEA and ceased negotiations with the United States in the wake of airstrikes by Israel and U.S. on its civilian nuclear sites in June.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday that Iran and the US are in indirect contact as intermediaries are exchanging messages between the parties.

“However, it cannot be said that Iran is on the verge of entering a negotiation process,” he replied to a question on Witkoff’s remarks about recent contacts between Tehran and Washington without providing details about the intermediary channels.

“As stated earlier, the necessary conditions for the start of formal and serious negotiations are not yet in place," the Iranian official added.

Copied