Indirect US-Iran talks kick off under Omani mediation: Tehran

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
12 Apr 2025 15:51

An Omani source tells Reuters that the talks are focused on de-escalating regional tensions, prisoner exchanges, and limited agreements to ease sanctions in exchange for curbing Iran's nuclear program.

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This handout picture provided by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) meeting with Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi in Muscat on April 12, 2025 (AFP)

Indirect negotiations kicked off in the Omani capital, Muscat, between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, Tehran's Foreign Ministry confirmed on Saturday evening.

According to the Ministry, the talks are being held at a location designated by the Omani government, with Iranian and American representatives situated in separate rooms.

Tehran noted that communication between the two sides is mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who is serving as an intermediary, relaying messages and positions.

An Omani source told Reuters that the talks are focused on de-escalating regional tensions, prisoner exchanges, and limited agreements to ease sanctions in exchange for controlling Iran's nuclear program.

In parallel, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani specified that the negotiations sought by Iran "mean a precise dialogue without noise."

She emphasized that every message must first be written and clear, without show-off or sidelines, explaining that this approach halts attempts to create unsubstantiated narratives by opponents of the negotiations.

Mohajerani pointed out that Iran is the one that chose the format of the negotiations, and "this reflects diplomatic rationality that suits the needs of the current phase."

Earlier on Saturday, al-Busaidi welcomed his Iranian counterpart Araghchi upon his arrival in Muscat, ahead of the discussions concerning Iran's nuclear program.

Araghchi is leading a delegation of senior Iranian officials experienced in relevant negotiations.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Araghchi handed his Omani counterpart the key points and positions to be conveyed to the US side.

During the meeting, the top Iranian diplomat said Muscat's hosting of indirect talks between Iran and the United States is a testament to the Gulf country's responsible role, expressing appreciation for the role Oman plays concerning regional issues and developments.

On his part, al-Busaidi highlighted that bilateral relations between Oman and Iran are distinguished, thanking Tehran for choosing Muscat to host such important discussions.

Araghchi says negotiations are indirect, limited to nuclear issue

Araghchi emphasized that Iran's intention is to reach a fair and honorable agreement from an equal standing, pointing out that if the US side has come with the same intentions, there will be an opportunity to reach an initial understanding that paves the way for a serious negotiation process.

"If both sides have the necessary will, we will later decide on the timeline for negotiations, but it is too early to discuss this matter," he noted.

"What is certain right now is that the negotiations are indirect and, from our perspective, are limited to the nuclear issue only," the Iranian foreign minister asserted.

"We hope that these negotiations will be conducted with the necessary will to reach a fair agreement, based on the principle of equality, and will lead to achieving the interests of the Iranian people," the top diplomat said.

How the talks unfolded

The US and Iran are engaging in crucial talks on Tehran's nuclear program, with US President Donald Trump warning of military action if the negotiations fail to yield a new agreement.

On March 12, US President Trump sent a letter to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, requesting negotiations to reach a new deal and warning of military action if Tehran refused.

While Iran rejected direct negotiations with the US under pressure and threats, it left the door open for indirect talks.

These discussions mark the highest-level talks between the two nations since the 2018 collapse of the international nuclear deal, which Trump abandoned during his first term.

Hours before the talks were set to begin, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, "I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country. But they can't have a nuclear weapon."

Trump had unexpectedly announced the talks last Monday.

Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to the Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei, stated earlier that Tehran is "seeking a real and fair agreement," adding that "important and implementable proposals are ready." He indicated that if Washington shows goodwill, the path forward would be "smooth".

Trump's announcement of the talks came during a White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

This engagement follows years of strained relations between the two countries, which have not had diplomatic ties for decades. Both the US and "Israel" have repeatedly threatened military action against Iran.

"If it requires military, we're going to have military," Trump said on Wednesday when asked what would happen if the talks failed to produce an agreement.

In response to Trump's threat, Tehran warned it could expel UN nuclear inspectors, a move Washington has described as an "escalation".

The United States claims it aims to prevent Iran from ever acquiring nuclear weapons.

The 2015 nuclear deal, from which Trump withdrew, sought to ensure that Iran could not develop an atomic bomb while allowing it to pursue a civilian nuclear program. Other parties to the deal included Britain, China, France, Russia, and Germany.

Witkoff told The Wall Street Journal that the US position starts with demanding that Iran fully dismantle its nuclear program, a stance supported by hardliners within Trump’s circle that few expect Iran will accept.

However, he noted, "That doesn't mean, by the way, that at the margin we're not going to find other ways to find compromise between the two countries."

"Where our red line will be, there can't be weaponisation of your nuclear capability."