USA – Iran: Talks Continue, Negotiations in Oman Next Week
Oman's foreign minister thanked Araghchi and Witkoff for their constructive approach
The United States and Iran, mediated by Oman, “agreed to begin the next phase of negotiations designed to produce a fair, lasting, and binding agreement that allows Tehran to retain the right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes while removing the possibility of nuclear weapons and sanctions.” This was announced by the Omani Foreign Ministry following the second round of indirect mediation talks held on Saturday, April 19, in Rome, Italy, between delegations from Tehran and Washington.
“Only through dialog and clear communication can we reach a mutually acceptable reliable agreement that will be beneficial to all stakeholders both regionally and internationally,” said a statement from Oman’s Foreign Ministry, according to which the third round of talks will be held next week in Muscat, Oman.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi (pictured), who mediated the second round of indirect talks on Iran’s nuclear program held in Rome, thanked Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy for Near Eastern Affairs Steve Witkoff “for their extremely constructive approach” during the discussions. In a message posted on X social network, al-Busaidi emphasized that “the negotiations are starting to develop dynamically, and now even the unimaginable seems possible.”
Before beginning talks with the Iranian delegation, Witkoff met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi in Rome. Grossi claimed the other day that Iran is “very close to building a nuclear bomb.” Following his meeting with Witkoff, the IAEA chief was also received at the Italian Foreign Ministry by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Meanwhile, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, it is premature to involve the IAEA in the US-Iran nuclear talks: “Of course, the Agency will play an important role in a possible agreement, as it will be the IAEA that will be responsible for verifying and monitoring Iran’s compliance with its nuclear program obligations, and we will not accept the participation of any other organization,” Araghchi stressed. “At this stage, with the current situation, the Agency’s presence does not yet seem necessary. Nevertheless, his expert opinion can certainly be useful in the negotiation process,” the Iranian diplomatic chief added. Araghchi met with Grossi in Tehran the other day.
