US Officials Report Positive Dialogue with Iran
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Synopsis
The White House confirmed that initial talks with Iranian officials in Muscat, Oman, were productive. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed key issues, marking a positive step in US-Iran relations following previous tensions. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for next Saturday.
Key Takeaways
- Initial talks were deemed constructive.
- Facilitated by Oman, marking a diplomatic breakthrough.
- President Trump remains committed to preventing nuclear armament.
- Further discussions are scheduled for next Saturday.
- Significant step towards resolving differences.
Washington, April 13 (NationPress) The White House announced on Saturday that the initial discussions with Iranian representatives in Muscat, Oman, were “very positive and constructive”.
US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff engaged in conversations with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat, facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Said Badr.
This marked a significant interaction between the Trump administration and Iran, effectively concluding a stalemate that began in 2018 when President Trump withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JAPOA), which was initially endorsed by the US under President Barack Obama along with other permanent members of the UN Security Council — the UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany, opposing Iran.
The subsequent meeting is set for the following Saturday.
According to a statement from the White House, “The discussions were very positive and constructive, and the United States deeply thanks the Sultanate of Oman for its support of this initiative.” The statement further noted: “Special Envoy Witkoff emphasized to Dr. Araghchi that he was instructed by President Trump to address our two nations’ differences through dialogue and diplomacy, if feasible. These matters are quite intricate, and Special Envoy Witkoff’s direct communication today was a step forward towards achieving a mutually beneficial resolution. The parties agreed to reconvene next Saturday.”
Reports indicate that Iran’s state-run broadcaster stated that Witkoff and Araghchi “briefly spoke” together, marking the first such interaction at this level between the two nations.
President Trump has shown optimism regarding the potential for a deal with Iran, asserting on Friday that he desires Iran to thrive, while remaining committed to preventing its acquisition of nuclear weapons.
“I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country, but they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump expressed while aboard Air Force One heading to Florida.
