Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has departed for the Omani capital Muscat leading a diplomatic delegation to take part in nuclear discussions with the United States scheduled for Friday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson said.
Officials from both sides confirmed that the United States and Iran have agreed to meet in Oman on Friday. The planned talks, however, take place while a core disagreement persists: Washington insists negotiations must address Tehran's missile arsenal, while Iran says it will confine discussions to its nuclear programme.
Commenting on the delegation's departure, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Iran will participate in the meetings "with authority and with the aim of reaching a fair, mutually acceptable and dignified understanding on the nuclear issue," adding that "we hope the American side will also participate in this process with responsibility, realism and seriousness." Baghaei made the remarks on Thursday.
The diplomatic effort is unfolding amid heightened tensions in the region. The United States has been building up forces in the Middle East, and regional actors are seeking to avoid a military confrontation that many fear could expand into a broader conflict.
Context in focus - what is known from official statements:
- Abbas Araqchi has travelled to Muscat to head Iran's delegation for talks set for Friday.
- Both U.S. and Iranian officials have confirmed an agreement to hold talks in Oman on Friday.
- The parties remain at odds over whether the agenda should include Iran's missile programme, with Iran insisting on limiting discussion to its nuclear activities.
- Iran has stated it will enter the talks with authority and aims for a fair, mutually acceptable resolution, while calling on the U.S. to engage responsibly.
- The meetings occur as U.S. forces are being increased in the Middle East and as regional states work to prevent an escalation into wider warfare.
The outcome of the Muscat talks is not provided in the available statements. Officials from both sides have confirmed only that the meeting will take place and have reiterated their respective positions on the scope of negotiations. Observers and regional stakeholders, according to the statements, remain concerned about the potential for military escalation given current force movements in the region.