Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman for nuclear talks with the US, aiming to secure Iran’s rights for peaceful nuclear energy use while seeking an end to sanctions. The discussions follow prior negotiations showing progress, with both sides needing to show goodwill for fruitful outcomes.
Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed in Muscat, Oman, on Friday, poised for another round of nuclear discussions with the United States. This latest meeting follows previous talks where both parties indicated some progress had been made. According to Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Araghchi arrived with a delegation prepared to engage in indirect negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Video footage from Iran’s Mehr news agency captured Araghchi exiting the government aircraft in Muscat. He will lead a group of diplomats and technical experts during discussions that will include US representatives, notably Steve Witkoff, who acts as Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East.
These talks aim to delve into expert-level discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with U.S. State Department’s head of policy planning, Michael Anton, facilitating the technical side of the negotiations. Iranian deputy ministers Kazem Gharibabadi and Majid Takht-Ravanchi are also part of the technical team, as reported by Tasnim news agency.
Baqaei emphasized that the Iranian delegation is determined to uphold the right to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes while taking necessary measures to demonstrate the program’s peaceful intent. “Termination of unlawful and inhumane sanctions in an objective and speedy manner is a priority that we seek to achieve,” he stated.
Negotiations are set to resume Saturday morning with Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, serving as a mediator. This meeting follows two prior Omani-mediated rounds held in Muscat and Rome since mid-April.
Tensions have heightened since Trump reinstated harsh sanctions against Iran following his withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had initially eased sanctions in exchange for limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities. In March, Trump hinted at potential military action against Iran if negotiations do not yield results, while recently expressing willingness to meet with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Baqaei highlighted a need for demonstrated goodwill, seriousness, and realism from all parties involved for the talks to be successful. As Araghchi noted in a recent dialogue, Iran intends to approach the discussions earnestly, hoping that the U.S. will reciprocate, as this may create a pathway toward progress in negotiations.
Abbas Araghchi’s arrival in Oman signals renewed discussions with the United States regarding Iran’s nuclear program, following previous negotiations that showed some advancement. The upcoming talks will see Iran push for its right to civilian nuclear energy while advocating for the termination of sanctions. As tensions linger, both sides will need to demonstrate earnestness to foster a productive dialogue on this crucial issue.
Original Source: www.france24.com
