Iran, US set for indirect talks, Norway likely mediator: Tehran Times
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Iran and the US are reportedly preparing for new indirect talks, possibly mediated by Norway.
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An Iranian security official in protective clothing walks through part of the Uranium Conversion Facility just outside the Iranian city of Isfahan, March 30, 2005 (AP)
The Tehran Times reported on Saturday, citing informed sources, that Iran and the United States are prepared to launch new indirect negotiations, with the first session potentially taking place this month.
Norway is emerging as the leading candidate to mediate between the two sides, and Tehran is reportedly insisting that compensation for war damages from recent US-Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities be a core agenda item.
Although neither government has confirmed a timeline, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff recently described current contacts, both direct and via intermediaries, as "promising" and suggested Oslo was under consideration as the venue, especially after a recent regional ceasefire.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed that any future talks must be conducted on equal footing and free from the "maximum pressure" tactics used by Washington in the past.
Iran Demands Reparations
Tehran’s position reflects a hardening line following the June attacks on its Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, which prompted Iranian demands for millions of dollars in reparations and UN action against Washington and Tel Aviv. Senior Iranian officials have also linked future talks to changes in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s approach, with Araghchi calling for a "new framework" of cooperation and rejecting inspections under current conditions.
On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani denied that any date or venue had been set for the talks, describing such reports as "psychological warfare" intended to stir tensions. He noted that the Swiss Embassy in Tehran continues to serve as the diplomatic channel between the two countries.
Read more: Araghchi criticizes IAEA 'poor conduct' over Israeli strikes on Iran
The last round of indirect US-Iran talks, mediated by Oman, spanned two months and included five meetings in Muscat and Rome before collapsing in June after the Israeli occupation’s large-scale attack on Iran.
