Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Oman for nuclear talks with the US, aimed at securing peaceful nuclear energy rights while seeking sanctions relief. This round follows earlier negotiations where some progress was reported.
In a significant development, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed in Muscat, Oman, on Friday as he prepares for crucial nuclear discussions with the United States. This comes after both nations indicated some progress in earlier meetings. Araghchi is expected to head the Iranian delegation, which will include diplomats and technical experts.
Esmaeil Baqaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, shared the news on X, confirming that Araghchi and his team were in Oman for the third round of talks with the US. A video clip released by Iran’s Mehr news agency showcased the foreign minister’s arrival at Muscat airport. In these negotiations, the Iranian side is focused on their right to utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and aims to lift sanctions considered unlawful.
The United States will be represented by Steve Witkoff, a special envoy to the Middle East, alongside Michael Anton from the State Department, who will lead the technical discussions. Meanwhile, Iran’s technical team will be under the guidance of deputy foreign ministers Kazem Gharibabadi and Majid Takht-Ravanchi.
In statements made prior to the talks, Baqaei emphasized the necessity for goodwill from the US to ensure progress. He remarked, “Progress in the negotiations requires the demonstration of goodwill, seriousness, and realism by the other side.” Araghchi also expressed his commitment to serious negotiations, suggesting that if the US is equally earnest, advancement could be possible.
This meeting is the third round of Omani-mediated discussions, following earlier talks held in Rome and Muscat earlier in April. The backdrop of these discussions is shaped by heightened tensions due to the reimposition of extensive sanctions by the Trump administration against Iran, aimed at curtailing its nuclear ambitions.
Since withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018, which had alleviated sanctions in exchange for Iran’s commitment to limit its nuclear program, the US has taken a tough stance on Iran. Tehran insists its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, despite ongoing accusations from Western nations regarding nuclear weapons ambitions.
As these talks unfold, the stakes are high with both sides keen on reaching a compromise, though confidence remains fragile amidst threats and posturing. The outcome of the current negotiations could dictate future relations between Iran and the US.
In conclusion, Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, is now in Oman for pivotal nuclear discussions with the United States, amidst hopes of resolving longstanding tensions. With both sides indicating some progress in prior discussions, the upcoming talks will focus on Iran’s peaceful nuclear ambitions and the lifting of sanctions. The sincerity and seriousness displayed by both parties will be critical to achieving any meaningful progress.
Original Source: www.france24.com
