Oman-Facilitated Talks Between Iran and US Aim to Reduce Regional Tensions

The Omani Foreign Ministry said consultations are underway with Iran and the United States, focused on creating suitable conditions for the resumption of diplomatic and technical negotiations. In a statement issued in Muscat, Oman’s Foreign Ministry said the foreign minister held separate consultations with the Iranian and American delegations that focused on “creating appropriate conditions to resume diplomatic and technical negotiations." Meanwhile, the second meeting between Iran’s foreign minister and his Omani counterpart also concluded in Muscat as part of the ongoing Iran-U.S. negotiations facilitated by Oman. According to the Associated Press, the arrangements were such that the Iranian delegation departed the venue in Muscat before the US convoy, displaying American flags, arrived at the palace where the meetings took place. The US delegation stayed for around an hour and a half before leaving. Iran’s state broadcaster said the Iranian delegation returned for another round of consultations after the US team departed, although this could not be independently verified. Meanwhile, Iran’s IRNA news agency said a political statement after the first round of talks would be a positive step toward reducing regional tensions. “The most important demand of Iran in the negotiations is the lifting of economic sanctions," IRNA reported. It said Iran stressed that its right to enrich uranium on its own soil is a red line and that it is pursuing a practical agreement that protects its nuclear rights and opens the way for sanctions relief. The US delegation comprised special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The Wall Street Journal reported that the talks also included an unusual participant, Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of US Central Command. An Iranian diplomatic source told Reuters that the presence of any military official could jeopardise the negotiations. Referring to the 12-day war launched by Israel and later joined by the United States, which erupted while further talks with Witkoff had been planned, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hinted that Tehran had not forgotten what led to the collapse of previous negotiations. “Iran enters diplomacy with open eyes and with a memory of the past year," Araghchi wrote. “We act in good faith and stand firm on our rights. Commitments must be honored. Equal standing, mutual respect and mutual interest are not rhetoric, but the pillars of a sustainable agreement." The talks were held against a backdrop of rising tensions after weeks of heated rhetoric and military manoeuvres. Trump recently told Iranian protesters that “help is on the way," but instead deployed what he called a “large armada" to the region, including the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and eight destroyers. He has also warned of military action if Iran fails to reach a deal with Washington.