Iran and the United States are set to continue negotiations next week regarding Tehran’s advancing nuclear program, as reported by Iranian state television. The talks mark the first round between the two nations since President Donald Trump took office. During the initial discussions in Muscat, Oman, U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaged in brief dialogue in the presence of the Omani foreign minister, signaling direct communication between the historically tense countries.
According to Araghchi, the next round of talks is scheduled for April 19. He described the current negotiations as constructive, highlighting four rounds of indirect messages exchanged between the U.S. and Iran. While American officials have not officially commented on the reports, the fact that face-to-face discussions occurred, albeit briefly, suggests a positive outcome.
The talks commenced in the afternoon and lasted over two hours before concluding. Following the meeting, a convoy believed to carry Witkoff departed the Omani Foreign Ministry and returned to Muscat. The discussions are crucial for both nations, given their longstanding conflict. Trump has threatened military action against Iran’s nuclear program, while Iranian officials warn of potential nuclear weapon development with enriched uranium stockpiles.
The negotiations, facilitated by Oman, were confirmed by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei on social media. Baghaei emphasized Iran’s commitment to safeguarding national interests and seeking the lifting of sanctions through diplomacy. Araghchi expressed cautious optimism about the talks, emphasizing the need for mutual willingness to progress. The discussions are currently indirect, with plans to establish a timetable pending further developments.
The nuclear issue will be addressed with the aim of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement that safeguards the national interests of the Iranian people. Both Trump and Witkoff characterized the talks as “direct.” Witkoff emphasized the need for dismantling Iran’s nuclear program as a starting point but also mentioned a willingness to explore compromises. He stressed that there must not be any weaponization of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
The key issues of sanctions relief and uranium enrichment are still at the forefront of negotiations. While the U.S. can offer sanctions relief to assist Iran’s economy, there is uncertainty about the extent to which Iran is willing to make concessions. Iran’s current uranium stockpile exceeds the limits set by the 2015 nuclear deal, raising concerns about its potential to develop nuclear weapons. Negotiations suggest that Iran may seek to enrich uranium up to at least 20%, indicating a stance to retain some level of nuclear program.
Iran is unlikely to completely abandon its nuclear program, rendering proposals like the “Libyan solution” impractical. The fate of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, who was killed during the country’s uprising, serves as a cautionary tale for Iran about trusting the United States.
This report includes contributions from Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran. The Associated Press has received support for its nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is responsible for all content produced.
For more information on nuclear-related topics, visit the AP’s dedicated coverage at: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/
