Iran has condemned unilateral sanctions as contrary to international norms, while a senior reformist politician described the ongoing nuclear negotiations with the US as being at a "difficult phase" despite growing optimism, IRIB reported on May 19.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, told a conference on "Unilateral Sanctions and Access to Justice" that such measures deprive people of their right to life and violate international law.

"Iran is a perfect example of a country whose people have lived under sanctions for consecutive decades. These sanctions, implemented under the so-called maximum pressure policy, have limited people's access to medical equipment and healthcare," Gharibabadi said.

The sanctions have prevented international banks from conducting transactions with Iran, which he described as "collective destruction," calling for action beyond mere condemnation and establishment of mechanisms to compensate victims.

Meanwhile, reformist politician Mohammad Ali Abtahi expressed optimism about the Iran-US nuclear talks, telling Mardomsalari Online that "the negotiations are currently at a difficult phase, but the entire world needs us to get through this phase."

Abtahi noted that after Trump's visit to the region and his interest in economic relations with Iran's neighbours, "America's need to negotiate with Iran has become much more serious. If American investments are to succeed, the region must be peaceful, and a peaceful region will not form without Iran's peaceful presence."

"I believe the negotiations will ultimately succeed," Abtahi added. "Achieving the minimum requirements Iran needs, such as enrichment for peaceful purposes, is feasible through negotiations. Iran's basic rights under the NPT must be respected. I am more optimistic about the future of negotiations than before."

The reformist politician also highlighted the role of regional Arab countries in supporting the talks, saying: "The Arab countries in the region that have facilitated Trump's investments are among the main supporters of the peace process in the region and the success of negotiations."

Later on May 20, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ismail Baqaei said no decision had yet been made regarding the timing and location of the next round of indirect talks with the US, despite reports from Western media suggesting they might take place in Italy.

"Proposals for the time and place have been made by Oman's Foreign Ministry, but as of this moment, the definitive time and place have not been determined," Baqaei told Alef news agency.

Baqaei confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had held productive meetings with his Omani and Qatari counterparts on the sidelines of the Tehran Dialogue Forum, where they discussed the latest developments in the Iran-US indirect negotiations.