Iran’s FM Araghchi heads to Oman for indirect US talks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to travel to Muscat on April 25, leading a delegation of diplomats and technical experts for indirect talks with the United States.

A statement from Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Tehran and Washington had agreed to hold technical and expert-level discussions alongside parallel negotiations involving senior Iranian and American officials, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media.

According to arrangements brokered by the Omani host and approved by both Tehran and Washington, these technical meetings and indirect negotiations will take place on April 26, Baghaei added.

The spokesman underlined that the success of the talks hinges on the goodwill, seriousness, and realism demonstrated by the United States.

He further noted that Iran’s delegation would base its approach on previous experiences and the conduct of the US, ensuring that every effort is made to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Iranian people.

To recap, as of April 25, 2025, U.S.-Iran tensions remain high, with diplomatic efforts intensifying amid ongoing nuclear negotiations. President Donald Trump has expressed openness to meeting Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei or President Masoud Pezeshkian, indicating a potential shift toward direct engagement. Trump emphasized the urgency of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, suggesting that military action could be considered if diplomatic efforts fail.

In parallel, the U.S. has appointed Michael Anton, Director of Policy Planning at the Department of State, to lead technical nuclear talks with Iran. These expert-level discussions are scheduled to take place in Oman, following prior talks in Rome that both parties described as productive. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed an agreement to outline a framework for a potential nuclear deal.

Concurrently, Iran has signaled readiness to engage in nuclear talks with European powers, contingent on the seriousness of the U.S. negotiations. The European trio (E3) — France, Germany, and the UK — has indicated willingness for dialogue, with technical-level talks earlier in the year focusing on lifting sanctions in exchange for curbing Iran's nuclear program.

However, tensions persist over concerns like Iran's missile program, detentions of foreign nationals, and support for Russia in the Ukraine war. The E3 is considering triggering the UN snapback sanctions mechanism by August if talks fail.

By Aghakazim Guliyev