Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman on Saturday for high-level talks with US officials over Tehran’s nuclear programme, as both sides seek to restart negotiations after years of deadlock. The discussions are being held behind closed doors in Muscat, the capital of Oman, which is mediating the talks.
Araghchi is expected to meet with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff during the talks, which come at a time of increased scepticism and unresolved tensions. Though the Trump administration has projected optimism over a potential deal, Tehran remains wary of Washington’s intentions.
Iran, which has long denied accusations of developing nuclear weapons, continues to distrust US President Donald Trump, who pulled out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and has frequently threatened military action unless Tehran halts uranium enrichment.
While both sides have expressed cautious optimism over the resumption of negotiations, Tehran’s position remains guarded.
“Far from putting up a show and merely talking in front of the cameras, Tehran is seeking a real and fair agreement; important and implementable proposals are ready,” said Ali Shamkhani, top aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a post on X.
Shamkhani also confirmed that Araghchi was travelling “with full authority for indirect negotiations with America,” and noted that if the US demonstrated goodwill, “the path forward would be smooth.”
Experts, however, remain doubtful about a breakthrough, as the US is reportedly insisting that Iran abandon its nuclear ambitions and halt uranium enrichment. Iran, for its part, maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful and within its sovereign rights.
There is also disagreement over the format of the talks. The US prefers face-to-face engagement, while Iran is pushing for indirect negotiations.
Diplomatic observers believe the renewed engagement could contribute to easing tensions in the wider region, which has remained volatile since the 2003 US invasion of Iraq and more recently due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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