TEHRAN (Iran News)  Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is now in the Italian capital, Rome, for the second round of indirect negotiations with the United States.

Araqchi arrived in Rome early on Saturday for discussions on the Islamic Republic’s civilian nuclear program and termination of American sanctions against the country.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei wrote in a post on his X account that Iran is aware of the bumpy road that lies ahead, but “we take every step with open eyes, relying also on the past experiences.”

“Lasting peace is born from honest dialogue between nations, not from the imposition of force,” he wrote, hinting at U.S. threats to take military action against Iran if the talks are fruitless.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always demonstrated, with good faith and a sense of responsibility, its commitment to diplomacy as a civilized way to resolve issues, in full respect of the high interests of the Iranian nation,” he added.

Hours earlier, Baqaei explained in a statement that the second round of the indirect talks between Iran and the United States, co-chaired by Araqchi and Steve Witkoff, the U.S. president’s special envoy to the Middle East, will be once again conducted indirectly through Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

Baqaei said Rome was picked as the host of the talks based on the proposal of the Omani foreign minister, which was accepted by both Iran and the U.S., adding that relevant arrangements were made by the Omani and Italian governments.

On the content of the talks, Baqaei said Iran’s peaceful nuclear program fully complies with international obligations, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and that Iran remains committed to its responsibilities while asserting its legal rights.

He added that Iran’s position regarding the lifting of illegal sanctions and nuclear-related issues are clear and were conveyed during the first round, which was held in the Omani capital of Muscat last Saturday.

Referring to recent contradictory remarks by U.S. officials, he urged Washington to clarify its stance and address serious doubts about its intentions.

Baqaei warned that repeating past behavior would be unhelpful, and said genuine progress requires a “realistic” and “constructive” approach from the United States.

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In the meeting, Head of ICC Mr. Bahman Abdollahi expressed his satisfaction over the online meeting and acquaintance with the Legacoop and briefed his Italian counterpart of the capabilities of Iran’s cooperatives sector.

He said that due to the significance of cooperatives in Iran, the ICC has been the parliament of national cooperatives sector and head of ICC attends all national economic councils which make macro decisions in the country.

Abdollahi added that Iran’s population is over 84m that over 11m are the members of the cooperatives and there are over 100,000 active cooperatives in the country.

Then Director of Legacoop Mr. Giancarlo Ferrari, for his part, expressed his satisfaction over getting acquainted with the head of ICC and said that Iran and Italy enjoy having historic culture and they have good relations.

He then pointed to the capabilities of the cooperatives sector in Italy and said both countries should help the growth and development of the bilateral economic ties based on the cooperatives principle and multilateralism.

He noted that due to the historic reserves, cooperation of the two countries in the ICA can grow more and they can share their experiences.

Then Abdollahi pointed to the good political relation between Tehran and Rome and said comparing to other European countries, the tie between Iran and Italy is very good and this can help a great deal to the co-operations between the two states in the cooperation sector.

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According to reports, in the meeting Mr. Esmaeili emphasized that Iran and Italy with the oldest civilization background have broad joint cultural cooperation more than in any other field. He pointed to the good relations between Iran and Italy and called for broadening cultural ties.

He went on to say that Iran is ready to have joint cooperation with Italy in all cultural and art fields like film, music, theater and book.

Esmaeili also announced readiness of the ministry in line with signing MoU on joint cultural and art cooperation with Italy, adding that the cultural exchanges of artists of the two countries lead to better presentation of old civilization of Iran and Italy for their nations and holding cultural day or week between the two countries is another way for presentation of cultures.

Then the minister pointed to the approach of Embassy of Italy in Tehran for broadening cultural relations between the two countries and hailed it. Esmaeili concluded his remarks by saying that Iran will welcome election of Italy as the host of 2030 Expo.

Then Italian Ambassador Mr. Perrone emphasized old cultural and civilization ties of Iran and Italy, saying that Iran and Italy are two countries with historic cultural and civilization background along with art and cultural heritage and they have had effective talks.

He then said that Italy emphasizes broadening cultural relations with other countries like Iran, and it holds different programs in this regard.

Perrone then hailed the cooperation and supports of cultural Iranian bodies with Embassy of Italy especially Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance’s cooperation. He later called for continuation of Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance’s support for election of Italy as the host of 2030 Expo.

He concluded his remarks by emphasizing joint cultural cooperation between the two countries like in film and music.

The Italian diplomat during his stay in Tehran has been busy with holding cultural events and interaction with Iranian artists beside other activities like boosting trade cooperation between Iran and Italy.

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According to the reports, Italian Ambassador Perrone pointed to the amicable and historic ties between Iran and Italy and said the two countries can expand fields of bilateral cooperation.

He called for all-out cooperation between Iran and Italy especially in the cultural and economic sectors.

Mr. Perrone also said Italians are eager to expand their cooperation with Iran in different fields.

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On Monday afternoon, the Italian Embassy in Tehran hosted a bilateral seminar on energy transition and the environment. The event, held at the Italian residence, was organized in cooperation with the Italian Trade Agency and the European House Ambrosetti.

Addressing the event, Italy’s Ambassador Giuseppe Perrone said, “The challenges posed by sustainable development are of a truly global nature, and today’s seminar is an indication of Italy’s deep interest in environmental issues.” He went on to say, “We are convinced that only by establishing a positive agenda it is possible to foster confidence at the regional level and to tackle effectively and collectively pressing global challenges.”

Placed along an ideal itinerary going from Ambrosetti’s Cernobbio Forum and in anticipation of the 7th edition of the ROME MED DIALOGUES scheduled this coming December, the event brought together, in a hybrid format, partly online and partly in presence, representatives of Iran’s Presidency of the Republic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Energy, members of the private sectors from both countries, analysts from international think tanks and research centers. Over 600 Italian and Iranian companies have also followed the event online.

The event was held in two sections of economic and political that in each section some Iranian and Italian officials exchanged views and highlighted importance of such events in cementing ties between the two states.

In the political section, an official in Italy’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that the result of JCPOA talks is very important for many issues in the region and the world, adding that Iran and Italy have cooperated in many fields and they can expand it to the fields of clean energy and environment. He admitted that the fate of the JCPOA is very decisive in co-operation between the two states.

Then President of the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) of Iran Seyed Mohammad Kazem Sajjadpour, for his part, hailed the almost 60-year-old relation between Iran and Italy, and called it an asset for both states. He added both countries should take advantage of their assets for sustainability of their relation and cooperation between the think-tanks is very crucial for bilateral cooperation.

Then Iran’s envoy to Italy Hamid Bayat hailed Italy and Italian companies which continued their cooperation amid the U.S. sanction threats. He added Italy was the only EU country which earmarked a 5-billion-euro credit line to Iran after the JCPOA and it has been the only European states whose trade turnover with Iran was high.

He added that Italy can cooperate with Iran in transfer of technology which will reduce the production cost and waste of energy.

Then Director of the Institute for Global Studies in Rome Mr. Nicola Pedde, for his part, expressed hope the JCPOA talks would have a good outcome as both sides are willing to do so.

Then in the economic part of the event Italy’s minister for environmental transition Roberto Cingolani briefed the participants of some details of the recent G20 meeting and Italy’s objectives as co-President of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) as well as of the G-20 Group at the latest edition of the Cernobbio Forum. He reiterated the world cannot solve the climate and environment issue overnight but it can move towards it.

In the panel devoted to energy transition and the housing and construction sector, Italian and Iranian speakers presented their views and best practices, with special focus on working out ideas and proposals to develop a cooperation increasingly consistent with the principles of energy efficiency, decarbonization and minimizing the impact on the environment.

An official from Iran’s energy ministry expressed hope over cooperation between Iran and Italy on clean energy and said Iran is willing to connect its energy network to Europe in order to help clean energy. He reiterated that creation of corridor between Iran and Europe will strengthen the security and trade ties.

He said that Iran ranks first in the Middle East and 9th in the world in terms of producing electricity from the power plants. He reiterated Iran has the best laws for foreign investment in its energy sector and welcomes any investment in this sector.

Then the Chairman of Iran-Italy Joint Chamber of commerce Giuseppe Zamprini, for his part, said many Italian companies can cooperate with Iran in clean energy and transfer of energy. He also hailed Iran’s measures on adopting laws for clean energy and reducing emission and pollution but admitted after the reimposition of the U.S. sanctions, the pace of these changes have slowed down. He said in the next five years, Iranians would move towards solar energy and reducing dependence on fossil energy and Italian companies can help them. He reiterate that without international openings, cooperation will be difficult.

Meanwhile the head of international development office of Carlo Maresca Spa Company which has been involved in some energy-related projects in Iran termed cooperation in Iran as positive because the country has good potentials. Stefano Falconio said the company constructed one project for building PV on Qeshm Island and finished it in 2018 and it has helped developing two more PVs in Garmsar and Damghan. He said the return of sanctions deteriorated condition for cooperation especially has increased banking problems. He reiterated that trade in Iran is possible provided that stability in regulations and politics are restored.

Then Head of Italian Trade Agency in Tehran Giancarlo Albano, for his part, said Iran and Italy can cooperate at best in the field of construction because they have good companies, adding that renovation and renewing the buildings will lead to energy efficiency.

Meanwhile the CEO of Italy’s association of engineers and architectures (OICE) Roberto Carpaneto, for his part, highlighted the  capabilities of Italian companies for cooperation with Iran and said 60 percent of the revenues of this association are earned abroad and then illustrated some overseas projects of the association in Dubai, Doha , Russia and Kazakhstan.

At the end of the event, the CEO of the European House Ambrosetti Middle East Mr. Luca Miraglia raised some questions.

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In an exclusive interview with the news website of Iran Chamber of Cooperative on the occasion of International Cooperative Day, Mr. David Baloni briefed the interviewer about the performance of Italy in its cooperative sector.

International Co-operative Day is an annual celebration of the co-operative movement observed on the first Saturday in July since 1923 by the International Co-operative Alliance.

Baloni pointed to the role of cooperative in the economies and said cooperatives are more resistant than other types of businesses and can help the resistance and sustainability of economies of countries in the critical times, and for this reason his country emphasizes support of this sector.

He then pointed to the relations of both countries and said the trade volume between Iran and Italy has declined considerably since 2017 after re-imposition of the unilateral sanctions by the U.S., adding that despite this condition, Italian government has tried to prevent the exit of Italian companies from Iran as much as it could in order to keep the trade relation level sustainable.

He then pointed to the major trades between the two countries, saying that due to recent changes in Iran’s economy and the country’s focus on the non-oil trade, Italy has been more focused in recent years on various industries especially in the field of providing technology and industrial machineries and it has tried to help Iran in this field.

Baloni reiterated that SMEs form the backbone of Italy’s economy and they help the national economic growth. He noted that SMEs in Italy are various and are run mostly by families, and cooperatives are mostly included in this category. He added but Italians believe cooperatives are more resistant than other models of the businesses and can help the economies of the countries in the critical conditions and for this reason it is backed by the Italian government.

He stated that cooperative sectors of Iran and Italy can cooperate and broaden the cooperation in this sector and cooperation with Iran in cooperative sector is very important for Italy. Baloni said there are several common grounds for cooperation between Iran and Italy like transfer of knowhow and sharing the successful experiences.

Then Baloni explained the stand of cooperative in the body of the Italian government and said it is sub-set of the labor ministry. He then pointed to the stand of women in the cooperative sector of Italy and said the role of women is very colorful in this sector. He said Italy believes the presence of women in the cooperatives will boost productivity, creativity and effectiveness in the economy and the government tries to improve the role of women in all components of the economy in the country.

He expressed readiness of his country to share its experience for transfer of knowhow and achievements and to cooperate in this field.

Baloni also added that Italy is currently moving towards green economy and it can help Iran in providing it with green technology. He said Italy held some events in 2020 to promote Iran’s economic and trade capacities for its Italian counterparts and expressed hope those events would continue in 2021.

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The top Iranian diplomat was expected to meet with Italian and Vatican officials.

During the trip, the top Iranian diplomat was set to hold consultations on the enhancement of mutual cooperation and bilateral ties, according to a statement issued by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Issues of mutual interest at the international level are expected to feature high in Zarif’s talks with officials in Rome.

The chief Iranian diplomat has embarked on a tour of several European countries which began with a visit to Spain where he met with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Arancha Gonzalez Laya.

In Spain, he also met with Spain’s Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Maria Reyes Maroto, who also co-chairs the Iran-Spain Joint Economic Cooperation Commission.

In his Thursday meeting with Laya, Zarif discussed the latest status of Tehran-Madrid relations in various political and economic fields.

Foreign Minister Zarif reviewed bilateral relations in different spheres, and said the potential for Iran-Spain economic cooperation is beyond the current level.

He then underlined the necessity of exploring avenues for promoting collaborations in different economic areas by removing some of the existing barriers.

Zarif also highlighted the significance of developing cooperation in the field of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as the tourism industry and its infrastructure for activation of Iran-Spain economic relations.

The Iranian foreign minister elaborated on Tehran’s viewpoints regarding the regional issues, especially the need for intra-regional interaction among countries and other important issues of the region including Yemen, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Zarif’s trip to Europe was also scheduled to include a visit to Austria, where diplomats from Iran and world powers are negotiating over how to revive a 2015 nuclear deal officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). But the visit was canceled after the Austrian government decided to show solidarity with Israel by flying the Israeli flag over government offices, something that elicited a strong response from Iran.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who is in Vienna for nuclear talks, expressed dismay at Austria’s controversial decision regarding the Israeli flag.

“Vienna is the seat of IAEA & UN, and Austria so far [has] been a great host for negotiations. Shocking & painful to see flag of the occupying regime, that brutally killed tens of innocent civilians, including many children in just few days, over government offices in Vienna. We stand with Palestine,” Araghchi said on Twitter.

A spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry told Al Jazeera that Zarif canceled his trip to Austria in protest over the Israeli flag being hoisted over Austrian government buildings.

Saeed Khatibzadeh confirmed that the visit was canceled but he did not say why.

“Mr. Zarif did not consider the trip expedient in these circumstances, and therefore the visit’s arrangements were not finalized,” Khatibzadeh told the ISNA news agency without elaborating.

Stephanie Liechtenstein, a Vienna-based journalist, also claimed that the cancellation was due to the Israeli flag.

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IRAN NEWS POLITICAL DESK

Iran is determined to uphold friendly and developed long-standing Iranian-Italian relations, and unilateral and illegal U.S. sanctions to have no effect on these relations, the president highlighted.

The high-ranking official underscored Tehran’s readiness to expand economic ties with Rome, making the remark that the current situation was temporary and how the two governments behave and their efforts to preserve and develop relations would remain in the historical memory of the two nations.

Rouhani emphasized the importance of creating positive mobility in Tehran-Rome relations in order to exponentially strengthen and deepen bilateral relations and stated that in the current situation, two sides should use innovative methods to increase cooperation and joint investment and strengthen strong and sustainable relations and steps in the interest of both nations and the region.

The President also praised Italy’s constructive and positive role during the nuclear negotiations, saying that after the nuclear agreement there were also very constructive and positive economic relations between the two countries and today the two sides must continue this path under the political will of the two governments.

Italy’s new ambassador to Tehran, Giuseppe Perrone, also presented a copy of his credentials to the president, stressing that Rome wanted to expand relations in all fields with Tehran.

The new Italian ambassador to Tehran noted that Rome is assessing the current situation temporary and the relations between the two countries should continue to grow.

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IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK

He added that Iran and Italy have good economic and political relations and emphasized that expansion of economic ties would strengthen political ties, too.

He pointed to the statistics and added the figures show that the number of dispatched delegations between both countries is good and it is an indication to the special relation of both states.

Shafei also underscored efforts of the governments to confront restrictions from the sanctions, adding that in this condition, the chamber expects Italian government and embassy to take more steps for having positive impact on the joint co-operations and resolving the problems.

Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Perrone, for his part, said the ground is expanded for cooperation between Italian and Iranian companies.

The ambassador said that the activities of the joint chamber in fact show that there is high interest for cooperation between the two countries and based on the available data, Italy is one of the major trade partners of Iran.

Expressing his satisfaction over the eagerness of Iranian and Italian private sectors for cooperation, the envoy said Italian embassy is ready for offering any kind of cooperation in this due.

“We are in a special condition created as the result of sanctions pressure on both sides and under the current condition Iranian and Italian governments and private sectors have a double responsibility to remove the barriers”, he stressed.

Ahmad Pour-Fallah, the chairman of Iran-Italy Joint Chamber of Commerce, for his part, expounded upon the activities of the chamber over the past year and said that the number of chamber members has increased in the past year.

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