Tehran has firmly dismissed rumors suggesting that indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States might shift away from Oman. The Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized that Muscat has always been the designated venue for these discussions, quashing any speculation to the contrary.
In a statement reported by the official IRNA news agency, ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei clarified during a press briefing that the talks remain firmly rooted in Oman. This comes as regional diplomacy intensifies to de-escalate mounting tensions in the Middle East.
Baghaei welcomed diplomatic initiatives from neighboring and regional countries aimed at reducing hostilities and advancing dialogue. He noted that several nations have offered their assistance in facilitating these efforts. Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has been in constant touch with counterparts from concerned countries, engaging in high-level conversations that include the Iranian President.
These interactions, according to Baghaei, are designed to lower tensions and propel diplomatic processes forward. However, he reiterated unequivocally that no plans exist to relocate the US-Iran talks from Oman.
Meanwhile, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, arrived in Muscat on Tuesday for talks with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Albusaidi. Discussions focused on regional and international issues, underscoring the importance of dialogue and cooperation for stability and security.
Larijani also took to social media platform X to issue a stark warning ahead of a Washington meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, where Iran is expected to dominate the agenda. He cautioned the US against allowing Netanyahu to dictate the course of nuclear negotiations through mere posturing.
Israel has long expressed distrust in Iran’s nuclear intentions, threatening unilateral action if US-Iran talks do not align with its interests. Netanyahu himself highlighted Iran as the top priority during his trip to Washington.