Tehran, Apr 13 (EFE).— Iran on Sunday dismissed speculation that upcoming talks with the United States over its nuclear program would be held directly, insisting that recent negotiations in Oman focused solely on sanctions relief and atomic issues.
“These rumors about direct negotiations are false. It was not discussed at all,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei told Iranian state television.
An Iranian diplomat who participated in the talks held Saturday in Muscat said the draft proposal presented by US special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, made no mention of Iran’s missile program or its backing for the “Axis of Resistance,” an anti-Israel alliance including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Yemen’s Houthis.
“Fundamentally, we accepted indirect dialogue with the United States because they have backed away from their earlier remarks regarding regional issues and our missile program,” Baghaei said.
The Iranian spokesperson confirmed that a second round of talks is also planned, although the location may change. “We’re still discussing whether the next round will take place in Oman or elsewhere, but Oman will continue to act as mediator,” he said.
Saturday’s meeting in Muscat marked the first round of indirect talks between Iran and the US, which Tehran described as taking place in a “constructive, calm, and respectful atmosphere.”
Araqchi briefly met face-to-face with the US chief negotiator at the end of the 2.5-hour session. The White House also praised the talks as “positive and constructive,” calling them a “step forward toward achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.”
Since returning to office, US President Donald Trump has renewed efforts to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran, warning of potential military action if no agreement is reached.
During his first term (2017–2021), Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers, which imposed strict curbs on Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Since the US withdrawal, Iran has significantly ramped up its uranium enrichment, now stockpiling 274 kilograms enriched to 60 percent purity, just shy of the 90 percent level needed for weapons-grade material, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). EFE
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