Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Tuesday February 17 that the latest round of talks with the United States resulted in broad agreement on “a set of guiding principles” that could pave the way toward a potential deal. He told state television

Ultimately, we were able to reach broad agreement on a set of guiding principles, based on which we will move forward and begin working on the text of a potential agreement.

Araghchi added that “fully serious discussions were raised and the atmosphere was more constructive,” when compared to the previous round of talks,

The renewed diplomatic engagement follows months of instability.

The latest discussions come after Washington deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East. The move followed Iran’s deadly crackdown last month on anti-government protests first sparked by economic hardships.

Despite signaling progress, Araghchi cautioned that a final deal is not imminent. “This does not mean we can reach a deal quickly,” he said, acknowledging that it “will take time to narrow” the differences between the two sides in negotiations mediated by the State of Oman. Nevertheless, Araghchi also emphasized that both parties now have clearer direction:

At least we now have a set of guiding principles and a clearer path to move forward on.