Iran says Oman talks with US were ‘good start’, will continue
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi has confirmed that the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States held in Oman on Friday were a positive beginning. He added that discussions will continue, although reiterating that Tehran is not open to discussing its missile programme.
While both sides indicated readiness to revive diplomacy over Iran’s long-standing dispute with the West regarding its nuclear program, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested expanding talks to cover Iran’s ballistic missiles, support for armed groups in the region, and “treatment of their own people.”
Araqchi highlighted that any dialogue requires abstaining from threats and pressure. He stated explicitly that Tehran only discusses its nuclear issue; they do not discuss any other matter with the US.
Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized their refusal to discuss missile capabilities, maintaining Iran’s right to enrich uranium. For Washington, the lifting of sanctions and reducing Iran’s enrichment activities remain key points for negotiation.
Negotiations in Oman must navigate this red line, as both sides are wary of a potential break-down that could escalate into another Middle Eastern conflict. World powers and regional states fear such an outcome would lead to renewed hostility between the US and Iran with potential spillover effects across the oil-rich region.
Tehran has threatened severe retaliation in response to any military strike, warning neighbors hosting US bases they might be targeted in an attack. Iran’s state TV announced deployment of one of its most advanced long-range ballistic missiles at a key underground facility shortly before the talks began, further emphasizing their stance.
Despite these challenges, Araqchi emphasized that negotiators will focus on finding solutions such as transferring 400 kg of high-enriched uranium and agreeing to zero enrichment within a consortium arrangement. Tehran seeks sanctions relief and demands cessation of US-imposed economic penalties since 2018 when Trump pulled out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement.
The US, along with its European allies and Israel, accuses Iran of using the nuclear program as a cover for developing weapon capabilities. Iran maintains its intention to pursue peaceful use of nuclear technology.