MOSCOW — Russia on Friday expressed its willingness to play a mediating role in the ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, reaffirming its commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the nuclear dispute.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi following talks in Moscow, said Russia stands ready to assist in any capacity that would be constructive for Tehran and acceptable to Washington.

“We are prepared to help, mediate, and take on any role that Iran finds useful and that the United States is willing to accept,” Lavrov stated at a joint press conference.

Araqchi, for his part, described the first round of indirect US-Iran negotiations held last weekend in Oman as "serious" and focused, noting that Tehran recognized “a certain degree of seriousness” in Washington’s approach.

“During the first round of negotiations, we observed a willingness to focus exclusively on the nuclear issue. This may open the door to constructive dialogue,” Araqchi said.

However, the Iranian minister reiterated that direct talks with Washington remain off the table due to the U.S. government’s ongoing sanctions and its continued enforcement of the “maximum pressure” policy.

"Currently, we will only conduct indirect negotiations. But the diplomatic path is open, and it is possible to reach agreements through this channel," he said.

Araqchi confirmed that he had briefed Lavrov on the status of negotiations and reaffirmed Iran’s preference for a diplomatic solution, signaling cautious optimism ahead of further talks.

Iran and world powers signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015, agreeing on limits to Tehran’s nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. The deal unraveled after former U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018.

A second round of indirect negotiations is scheduled to take place in Rome on Saturday. — Agencies