Reports on potential cancellation of US envoy trip to Oman false: Iran
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Iran has denied any claims that US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff could cancel his visit to Oman unless direct talks between Iran and the US are set to take place.
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Steve Witkoff, White House special envoy, speaks during a television interview outside the White House, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Washington (AP)
Iran denied reports that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Oman might be canceled, calling them baseless, state TV reported on Wednesday.
Iran confirmed that it had not received any message from the United States regarding the potential cancellation of the visit by its Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Oman.
This came according to a report by Iranian television on Wednesday, which clarified that Tehran considers talk about the possible cancellation of Witkoff’s visit to Oman—unless direct negotiations take place—as nothing but lies and psychological warfare.
Iranian media further stated that Iran "will not bow to pressure aimed at dictating negotiation terms," emphasizing that Tehran remains committed to a reasoned and principled approach in talks, guided solely by its national interests.
Oman to host Iran-US talks
The Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on April 8 that Iran and the United States will hold indirect talks in Oman on April 12, stating that "It is as much an opportunity as it is a test. The ball is in America's court," in a post on X.
Iran and the United States will meet in Oman on Saturday for indirect high-level talks.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 7, 2025
It is as much an opportunity as it is a test. The ball is in America's court.
Oman is viewed as the leading candidate to host indirect talks between Iran and the United States, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson.
When questioned about the prospects of indirect talks between Iran and the US and the role of third parties, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei addressed the issue at a press conference on April 7: “The history of participation of other parties in advancing indirect negotiations is clear. In case such a process is shaped, Oman will be the chief nominee for that [hosting the talks].”
Baghaei also denied reports that such negotiations were already underway, dismissing claims about a committee being formed to oversee the process as mere speculation, asserting that"The Foreign Ministry is in charge of advancing any negotiations."
Regarding the letter from US President Donald Trump, Baghaei confirmed that Iran has submitted its response and is currently awaiting Washington's decision on the matter.
"Iran’s proposal for indirect talks was generous and wise considering the background of the subject and the processes of the nuclear negotiations during the past decade. We are focusing on what we have proposed," Baghaei further clarified.
