Negotiations have commenced between Iran and the United States in Oman concerning Tehran’s nuclear program, marking the highest-level discussions between the two countries since 2018.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated in an interview with Iranian state television that his nation seeks a “fair agreement,” while his spokesperson noted that they do not anticipate lengthy discussions.
In 2018, President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from a previous nuclear accord involving Iran and several world powers, pledging to negotiate a “better” agreement.
It is uncertain whether the two delegations will convene in the same space, but these discussions are perceived as a vital initial step toward determining the possibility of a deal and establishing a framework for further negotiations.
Araghchi has repeatedly stressed that indirect negotiations are preferable at this juncture.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy leading the U.S. delegation, has expressed a desire for face-to-face meetings.
However, the crucial question is the nature of the agreement each side would be willing to accept.
Recently, Trump sent a communication to Iran’s supreme leader through the United Arab Emirates, indicating his intention to negotiate a deal that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and avert potential military actions by the U.S. and Israel.
Iran aspires to reach an agreement that would restrict but not eliminate its nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions.
“Our goal is to arrive at a fair and honorable agreement from an equal standpoint, and if the other side approaches from the same angle, then we can hopefully reach an initial understanding that paves the way for negotiations,” Araghchi stated.
He noted that his delegation comprises experts “well-versed in this specific area and with a background in negotiations on this matter.”
An anonymous source in Oman informed Reuters that the discussions would also aim to de-escalate regional tensions and facilitate prisoner exchanges.
Trump revealed the impending talks during a visit from Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Monday. The Israeli Prime Minister asserted on Tuesday that both leaders concurred that “Iran will not possess nuclear weapons.”
Trump has cautioned that military force could be employed if a satisfactory agreement isn’t achieved, while Iran has consistently stated its unwillingness to negotiate under duress.
On Monday, the U.S. president told reporters in the Oval Office that the upcoming meeting in Oman would be “very significant” and warned that it would be “a very bad day for Iran” if the discussions do not succeed.
Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful and has no intention of developing or acquiring nuclear weapons.
Nevertheless, since the U.S. exit from the 2015 agreement, which is set to expire later this year, Iran has progressively violated restrictions outlined in the existing nuclear deal as a response to the stringent sanctions reinstated seven years ago, amassing enough highly-enriched uranium to produce multiple bombs.
Witkoff is also involved in peace negotiations concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict, having met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg last Friday.
