Media: Iranian diplomat's Oslo trip raises hopes for future negotiations with US

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi's recent trip to Oslo has sparked speculation about potential groundwork for dialogue between Iran and the United States. 

Reports indicate that the visit, made at the invitation of the Norwegian government, aimed to explore avenues for future negotiations, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media.

However, uncertainties linger over whether conditions for talks have been or will be met, and official details remain elusive.

Norway's mediating role

Former Iranian Ambassador to Norway, Abdolreza Faraji-Rad, highlighted Norway's history as a mediator in international disputes. “Norway has previously acted as a facilitator in critical negotiations, such as the Oslo Accords between Palestine, the US, and Israel,” he explained. Faraji-Rad suggested the visit might signal Norway’s intent to mediate direct talks between Iran and the US amidst a tense global backdrop. While direct negotiations may currently be unfeasible, Oslo could serve as a stepping stone for future discussions.

Trump's approach to negotiations

Speculation around former US President Donald Trump’s negotiation tactics further adds complexity. According to Faraji-Rad, Trump appears to favour direct, unilateral discussions over multilateral diplomacy.

“Trump likely intends to claim sole ownership of any outcomes, reducing reliance on traditional channels like Oman or Qatar. Instead, he seems to be exploring alternative mediatory roles, including Norway,” Faraji-Rad remarked.

This potential shift in strategy aligns with earlier patterns, as Trump often sought to reshape the dynamics of international dialogue. Nonetheless, analysts suggest these overtures remain in exploratory stages, with no official confirmation of a structured negotiation framework.

European negotiations: Limited impact

Parallel talks with European countries further complicate the diplomatic landscape. Political analyst Hamidreza Gholamzadeh criticized Europe’s diminished influence, citing their economic struggles and passive stances on global crises such as Gaza.

“Europeans are in one of their weakest periods and have largely aligned with US policies,” he observed. Gholamzadeh questioned the efficacy of negotiations with Europe, arguing that their limited economic and political leverage undermines their role as meaningful partners.

Despite these shortcomings, ongoing discussions with European powers may help Iran project openness to dialogue. However, as Gholamzadeh noted, similar efforts during Trump’s presidency, such as mechanisms to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), failed to yield tangible results.

Informal talks raise transparency concerns

Adding to the complexity, informal channels with the US appear to be active. Speculations about high-level meetings, including alleged but denied talks involving Elon Musk, highlight the clandestine nature of these engagements. The trips of Takht-Ravanchi to Oslo and Abbas Araghchi to Lisbon are perceived as part of emerging parallel negotiations.

However, Gholamzadeh expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding these talks. “Why has the Oslo trip been concealed until now? What role does Iran’s Supreme National Security Council play in these negotiations?” he questioned. The absence of clear communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs risks fostering ambiguity and potentially allowing external narratives to influence domestic perceptions.

Awaiting clarity

As informal talks and speculation continue, Iran’s foreign ministry faces mounting pressure to clarify the agenda and outcomes of recent diplomatic activities. Observers await Takht-Ravanchi’s return to assess the progress made in Oslo and its implications for Iran’s foreign policy.

Whether these efforts can bridge longstanding divides with the US remains uncertain, but the groundwork being laid may signal a cautious step forward in an otherwise turbulent diplomatic environment.

By Aghakazim Guliyev