Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Islamic Republic is taking nuclear negotiations with the United States seriously and is seeking genuine, result-oriented talks.

Nonetheless, the Iranian minister said, progress depends on the other side demonstrating an equal degree of commitment and seriousness.

Araghchi made the remarks in Tehran on Monday as he addressed a gathering of foreign ambassadors on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

He said Iran is approaching the negotiations with seriousness, and is pursuing real talks aimed at achieving results, provided that the other side also shows seriousness and preparedness for negotiations focused on outcomes.

Araghchi said the Iranian people resist when addressed in the language of force but respond positively when treated with respect.

The top Iranian diplomat further said there is a large wall of distrust between Iran and the US, stemming from the behavior of the latter in past years.

He also voiced hope that trust could be established to enable negotiations to achieve tangible results.

Araghchi expressed optimism for the coming year, voicing hope for an atmosphere of peace and calm in which diplomacy prevails over war and the region enjoys greater stability and tranquility.

He emphasized that Iran`s policy relies on strong collaboration with neighboring countries, hoping that all parties would unite to maintain peace and stability in the region while avoiding any escalation or confrontation.

A new round of Iran-US nuclear negotiations, mediated by Oman, was held in the Omani capital on Friday. The discussions were facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

Speaking to IRIB news agency after the talks, Araghchi described the talks as a good start, saying that Iran`s positions and concerns were clearly conveyed to the US negotiators.

Iran insists on its legal right to enrich uranium on its own soil, describing the issue as a red line in the talks. Tehran says any technical measures can only be considered within a framework that recognizes this right, warning that preconditions beyond it would be viewed as a sign of bad faith.

Iran held five rounds of talks on a replacement for the 2015 nuclear deal, but a planned sixth round was canceled following US-Israeli airstrikes on the country and its nuclear facilities in mid-June.