The combo photo shows Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) and Steve Witkoff, the US President’s Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs.
Iranian and American delegations held their first round of indirect negotiations in the Omani capital of Muscat.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed the start of the talks on Saturday. “Indirect talks between Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, and Steve Witkoff, the US President’s Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, have begun,” he wrote in a post on his X account.
The talks, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, are being conducted in separate rooms, with representatives from Iran and the US relaying their positions and viewpoints through the Omani mediator.
As the talks got underway, Baghaei told IRIB News in Muscat that Iran has one “very clear” objective in the talks and that is to secure its national interests.
He noted that prior to the negotiations, Araghchi outlined Iran’s positions during a meeting with his Omani counterpart, which were to be communicated to the American side.
“We are giving diplomacy a sincere and honest opportunity so that through these negotiations, we can advance not only the nuclear issue but more importantly for us, the issue of lifting sanctions,” Baghaei said.
He noted that the Islamic Republic has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the principles of diplomacy and “has also proved this on the nuclear issue during the past two decades.”
“These talks reflect Iran’s determination to secure its national interests through the means of diplomacy,” Baghaei reiterated.
Iran has rejected direct negotiations with the US due to President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy and military threats.
Despite this, Iranian officials have expressed a willingness to give diplomacy a “genuine chance.” They view the talks in Oman as a first step to assess Washington’s intent and resolve.
Following a meeting with his Omani counterpart, Araghchi said that Iran sought an honorable agreement with the United States on equal terms.
“If the other side holds the same position, God willing, there will be a chance for an initial understanding that will lead to a path of negotiations,” he said.
Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi also said on Friday that an agreement was likely if Washington stopped its intimidation and threats against Tehran.
“If the American side does not raise unrelated issues and demands and puts aside threats and intimidation, there is a good possibility of reaching an agreement,” he said.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran believes in dialogue and interaction based on mutual respect, and any form of bullying and coercion is unacceptable to us.”
