Iran says nuclear issues, sanctions focus with our indirect negotiations in Oman | World News

Tehran: Iran said indirect negotiations with the United States in Oman focused only on Tehran’s nuclear program and the elimination of U.S. sanctions, excluding any discussion on other issues. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told state television that Iran’s position in the negotiations remained unchanged, centering on lifting sanctions and retaining its nuclear rights.

According to Xinhua News Agency, talks held by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witkoff on Saturday were conducted through intermediaries. Baghaei added that Iran remains committed to maintaining its nuclear infrastructure and achievements, while also demonstrating its willingness to engage in dialogue to ensure the peaceful nature of nuclear activities in the international community.

“Iran believes it is obliged to use all legal and diplomatic tools to safeguard its legitimate rights as a member of the non-proliferation treaty and signed the signator of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards agreement.” After the meeting, Araghchi spoke to a reporter at Muscat, describing the first round of negotiations as “constructive” and in a “holiday atmosphere.”

“Without using inappropriate language, both sides have shown commitment to negotiating mutually beneficial agreements on an equal basis,” he said, adding that the second round of negotiations is scheduled for the following Saturday, possibly at different venues. Muscat’s discussion comes after U.S. President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iranian leaders through the United Arab Emirates to propose nuclear negotiations.

Iran later confirmed that it had received the letter and stated that it would open up indirect participation. Iran signed the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (JCPOA) with six world powers, namely the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany, to agree to contain its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Washington unilaterally withdrew the agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, prompting Tehran to reduce its nuclear commitments.

So far, efforts to resume transactions have not made significant progress.