Muscat: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that Tehran aims to achieve a ‘fair and honorable agreement’ in the ongoing indirect negotiations with the United States, being held in Muscat, Oman. This statement was made after Araghchi’s meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi.
According to Anadolu Agency, Araghchi emphasized that Iran is participating in the talks from ‘a position of equality.’ He stated that the goal is to reach an agreement grounded in mutual respect and highlighted the potential for a preliminary understanding, provided the US shares a similar approach to the discussions. Araghchi noted the importance of both parties coming to the table with a constructive mindset.
Further, Araghchi expressed satisfaction with the strong relations between Iran and Oman, commending Muscat’s diplomatic role in the region. He described Oman’s hosting of the talks as indicative of its positive diplomatic approach. Meanwhile, Omani Foreign Minister Busaidi welcomed the Iranian delegation and lauded the exceptional relationship between the two countries. He appreciated Iran’s choice of Muscat for these significant negotiations with the US.
According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, Araghchi engaged in initial consultations with Busaidi soon after his arrival in Muscat, preceding the evening’s indirect talks with the American delegation. Busaidi is also scheduled to meet US lead negotiator Steve Witkoff, appointed by President Donald Trump as the special envoy for the Middle East.
These discussions follow Trump’s withdrawal of the US from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018 and his recent overture to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for direct negotiations. At a press event with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump announced that direct negotiations would commence, though Iranian officials insist the talks will remain indirect. Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s stance against direct talks at this juncture.
The US and its allies, including Israel, allege that Iran seeks to develop nuclear weapons, an accusation Iran denies, asserting its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Trump’s announcement reportedly surprised Israeli officials, who have advocated for military intervention against Iran’s nuclear capabilities, as reported by Israeli media.