Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman for nuclear talks with the U.S., led by special envoy Steve Witkoff. Both sides indicated progress in previous negotiations. The discussions are focused on Iran’s nuclear program, with both nations hoping for a peaceful resolution. The Omani Foreign Minister will mediate the dialogue, amid ongoing tensions since the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear agreement in 2018.
On Friday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi touched down in Muscat, Oman, gearing up for further nuclear discussions with the United States. This move follows a series of prior negotiations where both parties suggested they had made some strides toward a resolution. A spokesperson from Iran’s foreign ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei, announced on social media that the diplomat arrived in Oman to lead the Iranian delegation into the talks.
A short clip shared by Iran’s Mehr news agency showcased Araghchi stepping off an Iranian government aircraft, marking his arrival. Baqaei stated that the ongoing discussions would consist of both diplomats and technical experts, indicating a multifaceted approach to the negotiations with the U.S. Special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is set to represent the United States in these talks.
The upcoming discussions will delve into Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with the U.S. delegation’s technical discussions spearheaded by Michael Anton, the State Department’s head of policy planning. Iran’s technical team will be led by Deputy Foreign Ministers Kazem Gharibabadi and Majid Takht-Ravanchi, according to reports from Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
In highlighting Iran’s position, Baqaei reiterated a commitment to ensuring the country’s right to utilize nuclear energy solely for peaceful purposes and mentioned the pressing goal of lifting sanctions swiftly. He stated, “Termination of unlawful and inhumane sanctions in an objective and speedy manner is a priority that we seek to achieve.”
The dialogue will once again be mediated through Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who has played a critical role in facilitating previous rounds of discussions — this one following two earlier sessions held in Muscat and Rome beginning in April.
The backdrop to these talks features U.S. President Donald Trump’s reimplementation of broad sanctions since his administration’s 2018 exit from a pivotal nuclear agreement. Critics accuse Iran of aspiring to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran has consistently dismissed in favor of asserting its program is intended for civilian use.
Baqaei has stressed that meaningful progress necessitates discernible goodwill and seriousness from all sides involved in the negotiations. Araghchi also expressed optimism for the upcoming talks, stating that if all parties approached the discussions earnestly, opportunities for advancement could arise.
The situation remains delicate, with Trump emphasizing a hard line toward Iran, threatening military action if forthcoming negotiations do not yield fruitful outcomes. Yet, he remains hopeful for a new agreement, stating a willingness to engage directly with Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Araghchi’s arrival in Oman marks a crucial step in the renewed nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S., with potential implications for regional stability and global security. While both parties appear cautiously optimistic about progress, the complexity of previous sanctions and accusations regarding Iran’s nuclear intentions present ongoing challenges. As talks resume, the outcomes will hinge on demonstrating mutual goodwill and a commitment to finding common ground.
Original Source: www.france24.com
