Cairo, Feb 8 (NationPress) Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed optimism about a forthcoming round of discussions with the United States, anticipating these talks to happen "soon." He characterized the previous day's meeting as a positive initial step, albeit emphasizing that rebuilding mutual trust will require time.

In an interview aired on Al Jazeera and subsequently shared on his Telegram channel in Persian, Araghchi firmly stated that Tehran would not abandon its uranium enrichment program, which he termed an "inalienable right." He indicated that Iran is willing to engage in an agreement that satisfies the international community while maintaining its enrichment activities, as reported by Xinhua.

He further clarified that Iran is against shipping its uranium overseas, asserting that the nuclear issue can only be resolved through negotiations. Additionally, he dismissed US demands to limit Iran's missile program, declaring missiles to be a defensive matter that is "never negotiable."

Araghchi confirmed that members of both the Iranian and American delegations briefly shook hands, despite the talks being indirect. "Even though the negotiations were indirect, a chance arose for a handshake with the American delegation," he mentioned, countering US claims of a brief direct exchange during discussions in Muscat.

After his talks with Steve Witkoff, US President Trump's special envoy, Araghchi proceeded to Doha to meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, as reported by Qatari media.

Iran's military chief of staff, Abdolrahim Mousavi, adopted a more aggressive stance, warning that any attempt to impose war on Iran would escalate conflict across the Middle East. He stated that while Iran would not initiate a war, it would respond "decisively" to protect its sovereignty.

Trump, while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, described the Oman discussions as "very good," suggesting that Iran "appears eager to make a deal." He noted that both sides would reconvene early next week.

On the previous Friday, Trump signed an executive order threatening additional tariffs on nations that continue trading with Iran. While the order does not specify a tariff rate, it suggests a 25 percent rate as a potential example and indicates that this could apply to goods imported from any country that "directly or indirectly" engages with Iran.

The talks in Muscat signify a renewed diplomatic push amid escalating regional tensions. In recent weeks, the United States has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East, while Iran has ramped up its own preparations, raising concerns among neighboring governments about the potential for a wider conflict.

Israel is closely monitoring the negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would travel to Washington later this week to discuss the talks with Trump, asserting that any agreement must entail restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile program and end its support for allied militant groups.

Earlier this week, prior to the Muscat meeting, Witkoff visited Israel for consultations, during which Netanyahu emphasized that Iran has "repeatedly demonstrated it cannot be trusted to uphold its promises."

Reactions from the region have been cautiously positive. Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have welcomed the talks as constructive steps toward dialogue and de-escalation.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, commended Oman's role in facilitating the negotiations and reaffirmed Cairo's commitment to a negotiated resolution of the nuclear issue. The Emirati Foreign Ministry acknowledged Oman's mediation for fostering conditions conducive to dialogue and expressed hope for outcomes that would bolster regional security.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud also expressed support for the talks, hoping they would pave the way for diplomatic solutions to ease tensions and enhance regional stability.

"The region is burdened by multiple crises, and reaching a diplomatic resolution between the United States and Iran is vital for achieving peace and stability," he stated during a press conference on Friday.

Qatar's Foreign Minister, during his Saturday meeting with Araghchi in Doha, expressed hope that the negotiations would culminate in a comprehensive agreement that fortifies stability and security across the region, according to a statement from the Qatari Foreign Ministry.