Synopsis
Iran has confirmed that Muscat, Oman will host the second round of indirect talks with the US regarding its nuclear program, emphasizing the importance of the framework over location. The discussions aim to address sanctions and the nuclear deal initially established in 2015.Key Takeaways
- Muscat continues as the venue for the nuclear negotiations.
- Indirect talks are preferred by Iran.
- The focus remains on nuclear programme and sanctions.
- Italy has signaled readiness to host future discussions.
- Oman plays a vital mediating role.
Tehran, April 15 (NationPress) Iran has officially confirmed that Muscat, the capital city of Oman, will host the second round of "indirect" negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
"After thorough consultations, it has been decided that Muscat will continue to serve as the venue for the upcoming negotiations, which are set for Saturday," stated Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Tuesday, as reported by the semi-official Mehr news agency.
During the first phase of talks in Muscat on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi engaged in "indirect" discussions with US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. The focus of these discussions was on Iran's nuclear programme and the potential lifting of US sanctions.
These talks were initiated following a statement from US President Donald Trump in early March, indicating that he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders via the United Arab Emirates, proposing discussions over Iran's nuclear programme, as reported by Xinhua. Iran subsequently consented to these indirect negotiations.
In July 2015, Iran entered into a nuclear agreement with six major nations—Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States. Under the terms of the deal, Iran committed to limiting its nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.
However, in May 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the agreement and reinstated sanctions on Iran, compelling Tehran to reduce its commitments under the accord. Since then, efforts to revitalize the nuclear agreement have seen minimal progress.
On Monday, Italy signaled that the next round of discussions between the United States and Iran concerning Tehran's nuclear programme would be held in Rome.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani mentioned that Italy has agreed to host the meeting at the request of the negotiating parties and Oman, which acts as a mediator.
Tajani expressed these sentiments while visiting the Italian pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, as reported by Ansa.
He stated that the Italian government is "ready to take all necessary actions to support negotiations that could lead to resolving the nuclear issue and establishing peace."
Earlier that day, Iran announced that the next round of "indirect" talks with the United States regarding its nuclear programme would take place outside of Oman, while maintaining the same structure and mediation.
According to spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, Tehran does not consider the location of the negotiations to be as crucial as the framework they are conducted under. He emphasized that discussions will continue to be held indirectly, with Oman retaining its role as mediator.
Baghaei confirmed that Muscat will coordinate the new location for the upcoming round and expressed gratitude for Oman's role in facilitating the initial phase of discussions.
He also discounted the possibility of direct engagement with Washington, asserting that Iran does not regard that format as effective. He noted that indirect talks are not unusual and have been utilized in previous dealings between the two nations.
