Eyes on the summit in Oman amid US-Iran nuclear crisis: Negotiations will be indirect
A critical contact in the nuclear tension between the US and Iran is taking place today in Muscat, the capital of Oman. While the Iranian delegation announced that it is closed to direct talks, it was stated that the negotiations will be conducted indirectly.
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The long-standing nuclear crisis between the US and Iran is entering a new phase with an important diplomatic meeting taking place today. The parties are coming together in Muscat, the capital of Oman, for indirect negotiations on the same day. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will represent Iran at the summit, while Trump's Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will be present on behalf of the US.
IRAN: WE WILL NOT COMPROMISE OUR NATIONAL INTERESTS
In a statement made before the summit, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei sent a message of determination, saying, "We are determined to use all our capabilities to protect our national interests." Iran emphasized that it would participate in the talks only through indirect channels, not directly.
TRUMP WITHDREW FROM THE AGREEMENT IN 2018
One of the developments that formed the basis of the tension was the unilateral withdrawal of then-US President Donald Trump from the nuclear deal made with Iran in 2018. This step had initiated a new crisis process between the parties.
LETTER TO IRAN, RESPONSE VIA OMAN
Last month, Trump sent a letter to Iranian leader Ali Khamenei containing a call to begin direct nuclear negotiations. However, this letter contained both calls and threatening language. Iran, in turn, conveyed its response through Oman, sending the message, "We will not hold direct talks under pressure; we are only open to indirect negotiations."
TRUMP'S 'DIRECT TALKS' STATEMENT
US President Trump made an important statement during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on April 7. Trump announced that a direct meeting would be held between the US and Iran on Saturday, April 12, and warned, "If an agreement cannot be reached, Iran will face great danger."
IRAN: ONLY INDIRECT TALKS WILL BE HELD
On the same day, a response to Trump's statements came from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Araghchi reiterated that the meeting scheduled for April 12 in Muscat would be an indirect negotiation.