The Iranian foreign minister confirmed that he will meet in Oman with the US special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, for the first talks between the two countries since the start of President Donald Trump's second term. The main topic of the talks will be stopping Tehran's progress on its nuclear program, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Iranian state television that the talks will be indirect and will likely take place through the mediation of Oman. His statement comes a day after Trump announced that Washington plans to hold direct talks with Iran.
The previous administration of Joe Biden conducted long, but unsuccessful, indirect negotiations. During this time, the Islamic Republic continued to enrich uranium to a level of 60% purity - a worrying step, according to international observers.
The United States and Israel have repeatedly warned that they would take military action against Iran's nuclear program if necessary. For their part, representatives of Tehran do not rule out the possibility of creating nuclear weapons.
„The main goal of the negotiations, of course, is to restore the rights taken away from the Iranian people and to lift sanctions. If the other side shows sufficient will, this is entirely achievable - "regardless of whether the talks are direct or indirect," Araghchi stressed.
Quoted by Reuters, he added that direct negotiations could guarantee a "real and productive process" and that Iran would remain committed to the framework of dialogue.