Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Apr 14: Iran confirmed on Sunday that its recent indirect talks with the United States, held in Oman, were limited strictly to discussions on its nuclear program and the lifting of US-imposed sanctions, ruling out engagement on any other issues.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told state television that Tehran’s position in the negotiations remained consistent—focused on securing the removal of sanctions while upholding its nuclear rights.
The talks, facilitated through intermediaries, took place in Muscat on Saturday between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to maintaining its nuclear infrastructure and underscored the peaceful intent of its nuclear activities. “Iran considers itself obligated to use all legal and diplomatic tools to safeguard its legitimate rights as a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and a signatory to the IAEA safeguards agreements,” he said.
Araghchi, speaking to reporters in Muscat after the meeting, described the discussions as ‘constructive’ and held in a ‘calm and respectful atmosphere,’ noting that both sides treated the negotiations with mutual respect and refrained from using inappropriate language.
He also revealed that a second round of indirect talks was scheduled for the following Saturday, possibly at a new venue.
The diplomatic engagement comes weeks after US President Donald Trump revealed he had sent a message to Iranian leaders via the UAE, proposing renewed talks on the nuclear issue. Iran later confirmed receiving the letter and indicated a willingness to engage through indirect channels.
Iran and major world powers signed the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), under which Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the US withdrawal from the pact in 2018 under President Trump and the reimposition of sanctions led Iran to scale back its compliance. Renewed efforts to revive the agreement have so far yielded little tangible progress.