TEHRAN (Iran News) “Just returned to Tehran after a short but successful visit to Oman,” Takht Ravanchi wrote on X on Friday evening. “Had fruitful meetings with Oman’s Foreign Minister, H.E. @badralbusaidi, and his deputy, H.E. @khalifaalharthy, covering bilateral, regional and int’l issues.”

He emphasized the value Iran attaches to “regular consultations with our brothers in Oman,” adding that he also held “productive meetings on Yemen with Mohammad Abdul Salam of Ansarallah and Hans Grundberg of UN.”

Takht Ravanchi said his itinerary also included a press conference with Omani media and a friendly gathering with members of the Iranian community residing in Oman.

“Oman is a trusted neighbor and an indispensable partner with whom we enjoy excellent relations and historical ties,” he stressed, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation and dialogue between the two nations.

In a meeting on Thursday, Takht Ravanchi and Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi discussed ways to resolve regional conflicts through dialogue.

He emphasized the value Iran attaches to “regular consultations with our brothers in Oman,” adding that he also held “productive meetings on Yemen with Mohammad Abdul Salam of Ansarallah and Hans Grundberg of UN.”

Takht Ravanchi said his itinerary also included a press conference with Omani media and a friendly gathering with members of the Iranian community residing in Oman.

“Oman is a trusted neighbor and an indispensable partner with whom we enjoy excellent relations and historical ties,” he stressed, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation and dialogue between the two nations.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Jamal Razaghi Jahromi, President of the Iran–Oman Joint Chamber of Commerce, emphasized in an interview with Iran Chamber Online that despite existing structural and logistical barriers, the positive trajectory of trade between the two countries is expected to continue in the second half of the year, potentially setting a new record in bilateral exchanges.

According to Razaghi, in the first five months of 2025 (Iranian year 1404), trade between Iran and Oman increased by 11 percent compared to the same period last year. Iran’s exports to Oman, which grew by 16 percent, were the main driver of this growth.

He noted that non-oil exports from Iran to Oman amounted to $780 million, while imports from Oman reached $373 million, resulting in a total trade volume of $1.153 billion. During the same period in 2024, exports had stood at $675 million, and imports at $363 million, for a total of $1.038 billion.

Razaghi highlighted that this consistent upward trend reflects improvements in logistics, diversification of export products, and Oman’s growing role as a regional trade hub.

The head of the Joint Chamber outlined several key factors behind the growing trade volume. These include the expansion of port infrastructure—notably at Chabahar (Iran), Sohar, and Duqm (Oman)—and the establishment of new maritime shipping routes between the two nations. Such developments have reduced transportation costs and simplified export logistics for Iranian businesses.

Additionally, Iran has broadened the range of goods it exports to Oman, with petrochemical products, steel, cement, agricultural goods, food products, and fresh produce being the top-performing sectors.

Razaghi also pointed to Oman’s strategic positioning as a re-export hub, meaning that part of the goods imported from Iran are subsequently exported to markets in Africa, India, and the Persian Gulf. This re-export activity has further deepened the trade partnership between the two nations.

Moreover, Oman’s “Vision 2040” policy, which emphasizes diversification of trade partners and reducing dependence on a few key suppliers, has opened new opportunities for Iran.

Despite the promising outlook, Razaghi acknowledged that Iranian exporters face several challenges in trading with Oman. Beyond the impact of sanctions and banking restrictions, one of the main obstacles remains intense competition from rival exporters—particularly from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India—who enjoy stronger logistical networks and brand presence in Omani markets.

He also highlighted issues related to quality standards and certifications, noting that some Iranian products still require improved packaging, labeling, and compliance with Oman’s GCC/GSO health and safety regulations.

Furthermore, while transportation infrastructure has improved, shipping and container capacity remain limited, leading to occasional delays and higher costs. Many Iranian businesses are also not fully familiar with Oman’s investment and residency regulations, preventing them from establishing a permanent

Despite these obstacles, Razaghi expressed optimism about the outlook for the remainder of the year, noting that Iran currently maintains a trade surplus with Oman. He cautioned, however, that sustained growth depends on several external factors, including global oil and petrochemical prices, competitive pressures from neighboring exporters, and the absence of new logistical or regulatory barriers from Muscat.

Razaghi identified several non-banking challenges that could influence future trade, particularly fluctuating shipping costs and irregular maritime schedules amid global shipping disruptions. He also emphasized the importance of exporters adhering to Oman’s import registration systems—such as the “Bayan” customs platform—and obtaining necessary approvals from Omani food and veterinary authorities for agricultural and food items.

He noted that a significant portion of Iran’s imports from Oman consist of re-exported goods, making them vulnerable to global price volatility and changes in third-country regulations.

On the positive side, Razaghi pointed to the signing of 18 cooperation agreements during an Iranian delegation’s official visit to Muscat in June 2025. These agreements included discussions on preferential trade arrangements and tariff reductions, which could lower both tariff and non-tariff barriers and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.

He added that the growing collaboration between the chambers of commerce of both countries, along with enhanced private sector ties, would further accelerate trade expansion.

According to Razaghi, the trade composition between the two countries is largely complementary. Iran’s main exports to Oman include livestock, agricultural goods, petrochemical and petroleum products, food items, and raw agricultural materials, while its main imports consist of animal feed corn, sunflower oil, and various industrial and mineral products—all of which are in high demand in regional markets.

Moreover, Oman’s role as Iran’s second-largest re-export destination after the UAE ensures that even if direct exports fluctuate, overall trade through re-export channels remains robust.

In conclusion, Razaghi forecast that the total volume of trade between Iran and Oman will surpass $2.5 billion by the end of 2025, marking a significant increase from last year’s levels. “Despite the structural and logistical challenges,” he said, “the overall trajectory remains positive, and with continued cooperation, Iran and Oman are poised to set a new record in bilateral trade.”

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Leading an 85-member private sector delegation to Oman, Hassanzadeh underscored the growing interest of both nations’ private sectors in expanding bilateral ties. “This conference marks the beginning of a broader and more dynamic cooperation that could extend beyond our two countries to the wider region,” he said.

Highlighting Iran’s strategic focus on enhancing economic ties with neighboring countries, Hassanzadeh noted the private sector’s strong willingness to engage with Omani partners. He emphasized the importance of developing a forward-looking roadmap that leverages both nations’ diverse economic capacities.

He pointed to cultural and historical ties, good neighborliness, and strong political relations as key foundations for sustainable economic collaboration. According to Hassanzadeh, bilateral trade has already surpassed $2 billion in recent years, with strong prospects for further growth.

While outlining areas for future cooperation, Hassanzadeh proposed the following actions: Initiating joint investment projects in both countries; Enhancing long-term trade planning through stable frameworks; Facilitating trade by identifying high-potential goods and services; Leveraging Oman’s logistics infrastructure and Iran’s manufacturing base; Utilizing free trade zones such as Duqm, Sohar, and Chabahar more effectively; Expanding collaboration in technology, particularly in mining, IT, and knowledge-based industries; and encouraging third-country cooperation in engineering, construction, and infrastructure projects.

Hassanzadeh stressed that the Chambers of Commerce of both countries should actively identify joint opportunities and push for supportive policies from their respective governments.

He invited Omani investors to explore opportunities across various sectors in Iran, including: Oil, gas, and petrochemicals; Renewable energy; Power plant construction; Transportation infrastructure;    Agriculture and mining; and automotive and tourism industries

Hassanzadeh placed particular emphasis on health tourism, noting that Iran already hosts around one million health tourists annually, primarily from Arab countries. “Iran’s private sector is fully prepared to provide health tourism services to Omani citizens,” he said.

Beyond trade and investment, Hassanzadeh proposed collaborative infrastructure development, including road construction, rail networks, dam building, and water treatment. He noted Iran’s readiness to provide engineering and technical services, both in Oman and in third-party regional projects.

The conference coincided with the signing of 18 cooperation agreements between Iran and Oman, a move expected to further facilitate bilateral economic activities.

Hassanzadeh concluded by reiterating Iran’s full commitment to regional economic integration through private sector leadership and government support, urging both sides to take concrete steps toward turning shared visions into reality.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Senior officials from the Islamic Republic and Oman have discussed ways to bolster banking cooperation between the two countries.

Mohammad Reza Farzin, the governor of the Central Bank of Iran, who is accompanying President Masoud Pezeshkian on his official visit to Muscat, met with Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef in Muscat late on Tuesday.

The meeting focused on enhancing economic and financial ties between Tehran and Muscat, with emphasis on boosting bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, and facilitating commercial exchanges.

The efforts will support joint economic initiatives, and ease business interactions for private sector enterprises in both countries.

The two officials emphasized the importance of deepening economic relations and fostering sustainable growth.

Pezeshkian arrived in Muscat on Tuesday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman.

The meeting focused on enhancing economic and financial ties between Tehran and Muscat, with emphasis on boosting bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, and facilitating commercial exchanges.

The efforts will support joint economic initiatives, and ease business interactions for private sector enterprises in both countries.

The two officials emphasized the importance of deepening economic relations and fostering sustainable growth.

The meeting focused on enhancing economic and financial ties between Tehran and Muscat, with emphasis on boosting bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, and facilitating commercial exchanges.

The efforts will support joint economic initiatives, and ease business interactions for private sector enterprises in both countries.

The two officials emphasized the importance of deepening economic relations and fostering sustainable growth.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Because the events that occurred during the drafting and implementation of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) divided Iranian society into two distinct camps.

Supporters of the JCPOA believed it was a way to open up closed doors in the economy. Beyond economics, they viewed it as a gateway for the West to enter Iran’s internal environment—strengthening the foundations of secularism in the country and creating a more conducive environment for deals with Western companies.

On the other hand, opponents—who were more concerned with preserving the Islamic Republic and the Revolution—argued that the JCPOA would dry up the roots of religion in Iran. Supporters of the JCPOA, in turn, labeled and mocked them as “the worried ones” (delvapasan).

The failure of the JCPOA—coupled with regret over its apparent success—fueled a cancerous attack on the Revolution and religion, further deepening the divide between the two camps in the country. In 2018 (1397), Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the agreement essentially rendered the JCPOA a useless document. Today, the stigma of it marks the foreheads of Ali Larijani, the Parliament during his term, and the pro-Western government of Hassan Fereydoun (Rouhani). It evokes memories of the Anglo-Saxon historiography of the Constitutional Era and figures such as Taghi Zadeh and Vosough al-Dowleh.

It is very important to evaluate and understand what actions led to the JCPOA not becoming a successful experience. Even nearly ten years after the start of negotiations in 2015 until now in 2025 (1404), debates, analyses, and arguments about it continue within the country. This demands a deep understanding from the perspective of subservient thinking.

Perhaps the first negative aspect of the JCPOA’s media portrayal was that expectations for it were raised hundreds or perhaps thousands of times beyond its actual benefits.

Hassan Fereydoun’s (Rouhani’s) government was forced to exaggerate the benefits of the JCPOA thousands of times to defend it. But its failure and the exposure of Europe’s and America’s collusion with the Zionist regime soon proved otherwise. The JCPOA became a full-blown sedition against the people, the Revolution, and religion—even among the most underprivileged sectors of society, it lost credibility.

Critics mocked the “exaggerated promises” of the JCPOA, and public opinion gradually joined in with the ridicule.

On the other hand, the political faction supporting the JCPOA tried to reduce it to a campaign slogan for the 2017 (1396) presidential election, further turning the JCPOA into a divisive tool in internal political strife. This greatly contributed to the sedition and further weakened the agreement.

Let us not forget how Mohammad Javad Zarif was turned into a manufactured hero by the same group of New Yorkers aligned with Velayati from previous foreign ministry administrations. Promoting him as a potential presidential candidate turned the JCPOA from a national treaty into an electoral pitch. Repeating this scenario with Abbas Araghchi would be alarming, misleading, provocative, and based on false premises—though without a doubt, Araghchi will never have the capacity to become a presidential candidate. His contradictory statements in Parliament and the media, as well as his alignment with Zarif, have left a less-than-clean image. Even Kamal Kharrazi’s invitation for him to join the Strategic Studies Center after Rouhani’s government raised many doubts.

Besides this, the JCPOA experience showed that the role of some intermediary countries had been exaggerated. For instance, Europe—especially the UK, which played a key role in shaping the JCPOA—had no real influence in securing Iran’s interests without the US. Including these countries in negotiations turned out to be useless, even harmful and deceptive. The “snapback” and trigger mechanism serve as the clearest evidence of this betrayal.

The JCPOA also showed that it could not function effectively if other political and social challenges were ignored. The spillover from these challenges soon tainted the JCPOA itself, making it subject to accusations of sedition. It became likened to the historical betrayals of the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties.

In any case, the JCPOA experience demonstrated that achieving a successful foreign diplomatic agreement requires comprehensive, genuine domestic consensus, without partisan interests.

Such a consensus must be deeply rooted in realism. This lesson must now be applied to the upcoming negotiations in Oman—where Iran no longer has the former optimism. It approaches the talks with the bitter lessons of the JCPOA in mind and faces a party who openly claimed responsibility for assassinating Martyr Soleimani. Donald Trump harbors goals that are partly Zionist and partly Pan-Americanist.

Trump’s urgency to reach a deal in the Oman negotiations stems first from confronting his rival Democratic Party, which lost Iran during Jimmy Carter’s presidency. Secondly, it is about containing the ideology and roots of the resistance movement in the region, and breaking the barriers to Zionist political, social, and geographic expansion in West Asia. Of course, Trump is also counting on support from the Trumpists inside Iran who are rooting for his success in the negotiations.

Walsalam

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has thanked Oman for its “excellent job” in hosting and mediating indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States in Muscat.  

Baqaei shared a post on X social media platform on Saturday evening, saying that Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who led the Iranian negotiating team, was concluding his visit to Oman where he held indirect talks with top U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff.

“FM @Araghchi is concluding his visit to Oman and heading back to Tehran after a round of indirect talks with the U.S. representative over sanctions-lifting/nuclear issue,” the spokesperson said, expressing gratitude toward Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi for mediating the talks.

“We thank Oman and FM @badralbusaidi for their excellent job in hosting and mediating these talks. Oman will continue to perform this important endeavour as Iran and U.S.’ representatives agreed to carry on their indirect talks next week,” Baqaei further said in the post.

Following the indirect discussions, Araqchi said in a post on his X account that the talks were “constructive and promising.”

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TEHRAN (Iran News)  An Iranian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is now in Oman’s capital, Muscat, for indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States. 

Araqchi is accompanied by his deputies Majid Takht-e-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi, as well as Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, among other negotiators. The Iranian delegation arrived in Muscat on Saturday morning.

“We are heading to Muscat with a group of our most experienced colleagues, accompanied by the esteemed Minister of Foreign Affairs,” Baqaei wrote in a post on his X account as the delegates headed for Oman.

“We are determined to use all capacities to protect the authority and national interests of Iran,” he added.

The U.S. delegation is led by President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The Iranian and American sides are set to hold indirect negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. The indirect talks are held after Tehran rejected Washington’s proposal for direct negotiations over Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign and threats of military action on Iran.

Baqaei said on Friday that the Islamic Republic seeks to evaluate the “intent and resolve” of the United States during the talks in Oman and will respond accordingly.

He said in a post on his X account that Iran is giving diplomacy “a genuine chance” by taking part in the indirect negotiations, and that the U.S. should value that decision.

Meanwhile, the deputy foreign minister for political affairs said there is “a good chance” of reaching an agreement if the United States stops making excessive demands and issuing threats.

“If the American side refrains from bringing up unrelated issues and demands, and abandons threats and intimidation, there is a good chance of reaching an agreement,” Takht-e-Ravanchi said on Friday.

He added that Tehran believes in dialogue and interaction based on mutual respect, and “in our view, any kind of bullying and coercion is rejected.”

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TEHRAN (Iran News)  The U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce has said President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff will be in Oman for talks with Iran on Saturday.

“This is a meeting that’s happening, right? On Saturday, there’s a meeting. There’s no negotiations,” Bruce told reporters on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt repeated Washington’s threats and claimed President Trump had reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran.

Trump made it very clear to Iran they have a choice to make, she added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed top Iranian and American officials will hold indirect negotiations in Oman on Saturday.

The announcement came after Trump said that the two sides were poised to begin direct talks on Tehran’s nuclear program.

“We’re having direct talks with Iran, and they’ve started. It’ll go on Saturday. We have a very big meeting, and we’ll see what can happen,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, during a meeting with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He also threatened once again that if the talks were unsuccessful, “Iran is going to be in great danger.”

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has departed for Oman at the head of a delegation to attend the eighth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC).

Araghchi headed for Oman on Saturday evening. In addition to attending the Indian Ocean Conference, the top Iranian diplomat will hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts of the participating countries and other officials in attendance.

The conference is set to be held in Muscat on Sunday and Monday, Oman’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy said at a news conference on Wednesday.

Under the theme “A Voyage Towards New Horizons of Maritime Partnership,” the conference will bring together ministers and officials representing 60 countries and international organizations from across the Indian Ocean region, he said.

The Omani official also said that the conference aims to strengthen economic and security cooperation between the coastal states of the Indian Ocean, as well as with countries with strategic interests in the region.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri says unity among regional countries is the “only way” to counter Israel’s aggressive and expansionist agenda in the region.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Admiral Abdullah Khamis Al Raisi, the Chief of Staff of the Sultanate of Oman’s Armed Forces (SAF), in Tehran on Tuesday.

General Baqeri praised the long-standing friendship between Iran and Oman, noting that leaders from both nations have worked hard to strengthen their ties.

Iran’s top general said he was pleased with the growing military cooperation between the two countries, especially in light of recent developments in the region.

He emphasized the need to improve maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman to combat smuggling and ensure stability.

General Baqeri invited Oman to join the upcoming “Maritime Security Belt” naval exercise, stressing the importance of working together to tackle security challenges.

The general also pointed out the potential for expanding cooperation in various areas, including military training, counter-terrorism efforts, and cultural exchanges.

Admiral Al Raisi, for his part, said that the relationship between Iran and Oman is built on mutual trust. He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in military and security matters.

Both military leaders condemned Israel’s aggression in the region, especially its plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from their homeland in Gaza.

General Baqeri invited Oman to join the upcoming “Maritime Security Belt” naval exercise, stressing the importance of working together to tackle security challenges.

The general also pointed out the potential for expanding cooperation in various areas, including military training, counter-terrorism efforts, and cultural exchanges.

Admiral Al Raisi, for his part, said that the relationship between Iran and Oman is built on mutual trust. He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in military and security matters.

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