Foreign Minister Araqchi Heads to Muscat for Pivotal Indirect Iran-U.S. Negotiations
In a significant diplomatic move, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has departed Tehran for Muscat to engage in the fourth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, with Oman playing a crucial mediating role. This round of talks aims to address ongoing tensions and seek common ground on pivotal issues.
According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, Araqchi’s departure follows consultations in Tehran, and the discussions are set to commence at approximately 12 p.m. local time in Muscat.
Before embarking on this latest round of negotiations, Araqchi highlighted critical challenges, stating:
“The United States’ paradoxical stances are one of the serious challenges in the negotiations.”
- Iran’s Right to Enrich Uranium: Araqchi affirmed that Iran has the inherent right to enrich uranium and will not compromise on this position.
- Hope for Constructive Outcomes: The minister expressed optimism that these mediated negotiations could reach a decisive point.
- Contradictory U.S. Positions: He pointed out inconsistencies in U.S. positions, both in negotiations and public statements.
Emphasizing the legitimacy of Iran’s nuclear program, Araqchi remarked:
“Iran’s nuclear program is based on strong legal foundations, and its peaceful nature is subject to inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”
He further noted:
- Uranium enrichment: This achievement is a source of national pride, acquired through significant sacrifices.
- Building Trust: Iran is open to building trust and taking measures to ensure the peaceful nature of its nuclear endeavors.
Ahead of the upcoming discussions, Araqchi reiterated that Iran’s stance on nuclear activities is firmly established and non-negotiable. He stated:
“These issues are not open to negotiation or compromise.”
He encouraged that all negotiation-related topics should be addressed at the table rather than through media outlets. Araqchi concluded with a hopeful note:
“The objective that Iran will not possess nuclear weapons is completely achievable, and an agreement on this issue is accessible.”
However, he warned that unreasonable demands could jeopardize the negotiations. Meanwhile, Iran’s expert team has already arrived in Muscat, ready to engage in these pivotal talks mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.
