Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that the initial phase of the nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, currently held in Oman, has been positive and that the discussions are expected to proceed.
The talks were attended by Araghchi alongside U.S. Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. Reflecting on the meeting, Araghchi emphasized that for any negotiation to be productive, it must be conducted in an environment free from threats, intimidation, and external pressure. He further clarified that Iran is prepared to discuss matters strictly related to the nuclear issue and will not engage in dialogue with the United States regarding any other concerns.
While both nations have expressed readiness to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, the United States seeks to expand the scope of the dialogue to include Iran’s ballistic missile program. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the U.S. also intends to address Iran’s support for various armed groups in the region and the government’s treatment of its citizens.
During the negotiations, Iran reiterated its sovereign right to enrich uranium, though it indicated a willingness to discuss the specific levels of enrichment. In exchange for any concessions on this front, Iran demands the lifting of economic sanctions imposed by the United States.
However, the discussions did not cover the missile program. Despite Iran possessing one of the most sophisticated missile programs in the Middle East—which the U.S. and Western nations view as a significant security threat—Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are entirely peaceful. Furthermore, Tehran has stated firmly that it has no intention of negotiating its missile capabilities under any circumstances.
These talks are taking place amidst heightened tensions between the two nations. President Trump has recently introduced a 25 percent tariff on any country engaging in direct or indirect trade with Iran. He has also warned of military action against Iran should a nuclear agreement fail to materialize. In response, Iran has vowed to retaliate against any strike. Meanwhile, the United States continues to bolster its military presence in the Middle East, increasing its personnel and naval deployments in the region.
