Iran’s Foreign Minister, after meeting with his Russian counterpart Lavrov, stated that they have observed the seriousness of the U.S. in the initial round of nuclear talks and believe that reaching an agreement is possible. The two ministers addressed the forthcoming nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran in Rome, Italy, during a joint press conference held after their meeting in Moscow, Russia. Arakci expressed their hope for Russia’s involvement in a potential nuclear agreement. Referring to indirect talks with the U.S. in Oman last Saturday, Arakci emphasized the seriousness of the opposite party during the initial talks and expressed optimism about reaching an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. Lavrov also stated that Iran is prepared to reach an agreement within the framework of nuclear disarmament and Russia is ready to assist in any role for this purpose. Arakci highlighted during the meeting with Lavrov that the views of Tehran and Moscow are closer than ever on global matters. According to reports from the Russian state news agency TASS, he stated, “The approaches of Russia and Moscow have never been this close and strong in the history of their relations.” The Iranian Foreign Minister described his meeting with Lavrov as “meaningful and very positive,” informing that he delivered a letter from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling Iran’s perception of Russia as a strategic partner and a significant neighbor to the world. Arakci further added that the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement between the two countries lays a firm foundation for elevating bilateral relations to a new level. The U.S. and Iran delegations are scheduled to meet in Rome on April 19 for further discussions. Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran in 2018, he sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader last month, initiating direct nuclear negotiations. Iran responded to the letter through Oman. The indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. were held on April 12 in Oman after the letter exchange, with both sides describing the negotiations as “positive and constructive.” Both parties announced a new meeting on April 19, which was originally planned in Oman but will now take place in Rome, Italy. The U.S. President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, stated on Fox News two days ago that they had agreed to Iran’s 3.67% uranium enrichment levels from the 2015 nuclear agreement. Witkoff later mentioned the need for Iran to cease uranium enrichment. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakci expressed willingness to address concerns regarding their nuclear program but stated that they would not negotiate Iran’s right to enrich uranium.