Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. get underway in Muscat
TEHRAN (Iran News) Negotiations have begun between Iran and the United States in the Omani capital, Muscat, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has announced.
The talks, the first in years, are being held indirectly through Omani intermediaries.
Baqaei said in a post on X on Saturday that the Iranian and U.S. negotiators had been stationed at separate rooms and were exchanging messages via Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.
The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, arrived in Muscat earlier in the day.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is the top U.S. negotiator.
Upon arrival in Muscat, Araqchi met with Al Busaidi and conveyed Iran’s stance to the Omani intermediary, who later in the day met with Witkoff.
Iran says it is giving diplomacy a “genuine chance” if the American side demonstrates resolve and goodwill.
The negotiations, which Tehran insists will remain indirect, are aimed at reaching a new agreement to replace the one the U.S. abandoned during Trump’s first term in office.
Tehran rejected Trump’s proposal for direct negotiations because of his so-called “maximum pressure” campaign and threats of military action against Iran.
Iran views the preliminary talks in Oman as an opportunity to ascertain whether the United States is serious about diplomacy.
- source : irna
