Iran, US set to hold indirect nuclear talks in Muscat
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Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff; Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi.
Muscat: Iran and the United States are set to hold "indirect high-level talks" in Muscat, Oman, on Saturday, with discussions focused solely on nuclear issues, as emphasized by Tehran. The talks, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, will take place amid heightened tensions over Iran's nuclear program.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who will lead the Iranian delegation, has stressed that Iran will not tolerate threats during the talks. He emphasized that the discussions would revolve exclusively around the nuclear issue, with the aim of reaching a mutually beneficial outcome. Araghchi has previously stated that a potential agreement on Iran's nuclear program is possible, provided the United States demonstrates the "necessary and sufficient" political will.
Representing the United States in the talks will be Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Araghchi suggested that if both sides approach the negotiations on equal footing, an initial understanding could emerge, paving the way for further discussions.
Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful and legitimate, and it is prepared to address any concerns regarding its nuclear activities. The country's leadership has been firm in insisting that any resolution should be based on "win-win negotiations."
The current talks come after a period of heightened tensions, particularly following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of "unprecedented military strikes" on Iran in late March if the country refuses to negotiate over its nuclear program.
Iran had previously signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015 with six major world powers, including the United States, under which it agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the U.S. withdrew from the agreement in May 2018, reinstating sanctions that led Iran to reduce its compliance with the nuclear deal. Despite several attempts to revive the JCPOA, significant progress has yet to be made.
With IANS inputs
