Iran to Hold Nuclear Talks with the United States in Muscat

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced that nuclear talks between Iran and the United States are scheduled to take place in Muscat. The discussions are set for Friday at around 10 am, with Oman playing a crucial role as the mediator.

The decision to shift the venue from Istanbul to Muscat comes as both parties gear up for another round of indirect negotiations. This move follows Tehran’s request for a change in location, as reported by Iranian state broadcaster Press TV.

According to Iranian media sources, the focus of the talks will be strictly on Iran’s peaceful nuclear energy program and the removal of sanctions. Tehran has consistently maintained its position that other issues will not be up for discussion during the negotiations.

The Iranian delegation, led by Araghchi, will include senior diplomats Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi. On the US side, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff will represent the country. The talks will be conducted indirectly, with Oman facilitating the discussions.

This format is expected to mirror earlier rounds of negotiations that were held prior to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran last June, which disrupted the diplomatic process, according to Press TV.

Although Araghchi and Witkoff had led five rounds of talks last year, the process was abruptly halted due to the outbreak of conflict initiated by Israel. The conflict led to significant casualties and damage in Iran, resulting in the need to resume diplomatic efforts now.

Iran has emphasized that any engagement with the US must revolve solely around nuclear issues, ruling out discussions on its missile program or regional involvement. The Iranian government has also stressed the importance of creating a threat-free and logical dialogue environment for successful negotiations, as reported by Press TV.

Senior Iranian officials, including Ali Shamkhani, have underscored the necessity of respect and realism in discussions with the United States to achieve progress in diplomatic efforts.

These renewed diplomatic talks come amidst escalating tensions in West Asia and increased US military presence in the region. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump warned Iran against harming peaceful protesters, which was followed by coordinated attacks in Iranian cities aimed at destabilizing the country.

In response to the heightened tensions, Iranian authorities have warned against any further miscalculations by Washington and its allies. They have reassured that Iran’s military preparedness now exceeds pre-war levels, signaling readiness to defend against any potential aggression. (ANI)