Security chief: US-Iran diplomacy focused solely on nuclear program

Iran’s senior security official, Ali Larijani, told Oman’s state television that Tehran is only engaging with the United States on its nuclear program and is not negotiating any other issues. 

“The American side has also concluded that the talks should focus exclusively on the nuclear issue,” Larijani said.

He added that the nuclear matter is solvable: “If the US is concerned that Iran might pursue nuclear weapons, this can be addressed.”

Larijani emphasised that raising military or missile issues alongside nuclear discussions could complicate the process. “Previously, the Americans linked military and missile issues to the nuclear dossier, but now they are only talking about the nuclear question, and this is a rational approach. Military issues are not related to the nuclear matter,” he said.

Larijani’s comments came after his visit to Qatar on Wednesday, February 11, following meetings in Oman. He noted that the date for the next round of negotiations with the US would be announced later.

These remarks follow a February 6 meeting in Muscat, Oman, where Iranian and US representatives engaged in indirect discussions on Iran’s nuclear program through Omani mediators.

During the talks, Tehran reaffirmed it would not halt uranium enrichment, a core US demand. According to sources, Iranian negotiator Araghchi told the US delegation that Iran would not relocate its nuclear activities outside the country. Nonetheless, he described the session as a “good start” and said further talks were planned.

The US delegation included special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Admiral Brad Cooper, reflecting the high stakes of the negotiations. While both sides largely maintained firm positions, they signalled willingness to continue diplomatic engagement to avoid potential military confrontation.

Washington has demanded Iran curb enrichment, halt its ballistic missile program, and stop supporting regional militias, but Tehran insists these topics fall outside the scope of the nuclear-focused discussions.

The Muscat meeting marked the first direct diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran since the 12-day conflict in June, triggered by an Israeli strike and concluded with US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

By Tamilla Hasanova