Iran delivers key nuclear stance to US via Oman in high-stakes meeting

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, recently conveyed Tehran's stance on the ongoing negotiations to his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood al-Busaidi, who is tasked with passing the message to the U.S. delegation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic confirmed the development, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"Within the framework of indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S., the Foreign Minister conveyed Iran’s key positions and directions to the Omani Foreign Minister for subsequent delivery to the other side," a statement from the ministry said, published on their Telegram channel.

Furthermore, the Iranian Ministry pointed out that Oman's Foreign Minister also informed Araqchi about the details of the upcoming discussions between the U.S. and Iranian delegations.

The indirect talks in Oman, scheduled for April 12, will focus exclusively on resolving the issue surrounding Iran's nuclear program, with no other topics being on the table for negotiation.

Araghchi confirmed the details of the negotiations, stating, "The talks will be indirect and will only concern the nuclear dossier, with most of the key issues to be clarified during consultations."

Iran, according to Mohammad Hossein Ranjbaran, an advisor to the Foreign Minister, will ultimately benefit from the discussions, even if they end in failure. "Even if the talks in Muscat fail, continue, or maybe even end successfully, which is unlikely, Iran and the Iranian people will emerge as winners because Tehran preserved its dignity by insisting on indirect negotiations," Ranjbaran wrote on his social media platform, X.

The negotiations, being mediated by Muscat, are being led by Abbas Araghchi from Iran's side, and U.S. President’s Special Envoy Steven Witkoff is representing the U.S. The U.S. State Department, through spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, characterized the talks as a "meeting" rather than full-fledged negotiations.

Iran has emphasized its position on revising the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), particularly in relation to its nuclear program. Tehran insists on incorporating clauses that would enable sanctions to be imposed on any party that might decide to withdraw from the agreement in the future. Meanwhile, the U.S. is seeking not only to prevent the military aspect of Iran's nuclear program but also to demand the complete dismantling of all Iran's nuclear facilities. In addition, Washington is pushing for an end to Iran's support of its regional allies and the restriction of its ballistic missile development program.

In response, Tehran has firmly rejected any attempts to limit its foreign policy or defense capabilities, asserting its right to continue developing peaceful nuclear energy.

By Tamilla Hasanova