Iran briefs regional powers on indirect nuclear talks with US

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has held separate telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, briefing them on the latest developments surrounding indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States that recently took place in Muscat.

During the calls, Araghchi described the talks as a “good start,” while stressing that significant mistrust remains regarding the intentions and objectives of the US side. He emphasised the need for this lack of trust to be addressed as the diplomatic process moves forward.

The foreign ministers of the regional countries welcomed the resumption of Iran–US nuclear negotiations and underscored the importance of sustaining dialogue in order to reach a political and diplomatic solution. They also warned against any escalation of tensions, noting that the success of the talks would be critical for regional stability and security.

Araghchi’s remarks followed a meeting between Iranian and US representatives in Muscat, Oman, where senior officials from both sides engaged in indirect discussions on Iran’s nuclear program on February 6. During the talks, Tehran reaffirmed its refusal to halt uranium enrichment, which remains a core demand of the US.

Despite this fundamental disagreement, both sides signalled a willingness to continue diplomatic engagement in an effort to avoid a potential military confrontation.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, Araghchi told his US counterparts that Iran would not agree to end uranium enrichment or relocate its nuclear activities outside the country. Nevertheless, he again characterised the meeting as a “good start” and said further negotiations were planned.

The talks were conducted through Omani mediators, with neither the Iranian nor the US delegation meeting face to face. Sources said both sides largely maintained firm positions throughout the discussions.

Washington has demanded that Iran stop uranium enrichment, curb its ballistic missile program, and end support for regional militias. Tehran, however, has indicated that it is prepared to discuss only its nuclear activities, arguing that issues related to its missile program and regional alliances should be addressed exclusively with neighbouring countries.

The US delegation included special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of US forces in the Middle East. Under the Trump administration, military officials have at times participated in diplomatic talks, reflecting the high-stakes nature of negotiations with Iran.

The Muscat meeting marked the first direct diplomatic engagement between the two countries since the 12-day conflict in June, which was triggered by an Israeli strike and ended with US airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities.

By Tamilla Hasanova