Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
Muscat, Apr 12: In a renewed diplomatic effort, Iran and the United States are engaged in indirect high-level negotiations in Oman on Saturday, with both sides focusing exclusively on nuclear-related matters. The dialogue, brokered by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, marks a fresh attempt to break the stalemate over Iran’s atomic program.
According to reports from Iranian state media, the discussions are centered on reviving stalled negotiations around Iran’s nuclear commitments, with Tehran reiterating its refusal to tolerate threats or stray from the nuclear file.
“These talks will strictly address nuclear issues under the framework of win-win negotiations,” reported Tasnim News Agency, quoting diplomatic sources.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is leading the Iranian delegation, and has expressed cautious optimism. Speaking ahead of the talks, he said progress is possible — but only if the US demonstrates genuine political will.
“If the opposing side approaches the talks on an equal footing, there's a path toward an initial understanding,” Araghchi told IRNA News Agency. He reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and within legal international bounds, and the country is open to addressing any concerns transparently.
Representing the US in this round of talks is Steve Witkoff, the Special Envoy to the Middle East. Though no direct meetings between the delegations are expected, Oman is acting as a key intermediary.
Tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high, particularly after former US President Donald Trump warned in a recent interview of “unprecedented military action” should Iran refuse to engage diplomatically. The remarks stirred fresh anxieties in an already strained geopolitical climate.
The backdrop to these negotiations is the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — a landmark agreement signed by Iran and six world powers (UK, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the US), which placed limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
However, the US exit from the deal in 2018 under the Trump administration, and the subsequent re-imposition of economic sanctions, led Iran to roll back its commitments under the agreement. Since then, multiple rounds of diplomatic efforts to restore the deal have seen limited success.
Saturday’s meeting in Muscat could potentially pave the way for renewed engagement — but as Iranian officials have warned, mutual respect and realistic expectations will be crucial to any breakthrough.