Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called for “mutual respect” ahead of scheduled talks with the United States, as both sides prepare to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme and broader diplomatic issues in Oman.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Araghchi said Iran was entering diplomacy “with open eyes” and a clear memory of past experiences. He stressed that Tehran would engage in negotiations in good faith, while firmly defending its national rights. According to the Iranian foreign minister, respect, equality and mutual interests are essential foundations for any lasting agreement between the two countries.
The talks, taking place in the Gulf sultanate of Oman, mark the first confirmed engagement between Washington and Tehran since the United States joined Israel’s military campaign against Iran last June, which included strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The negotiations were confirmed after days of uncertainty surrounding their timing, location and format.
US officials have indicated that the discussions aim to assess whether diplomatic progress is possible on Iran’s nuclear programme and other contentious issues. However, Washington has not ruled out the possibility of military action should diplomacy fail, underscoring the fragile nature of the talks.
The delegations are expected to be led by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Oman, which has previously acted as a discreet mediator between Iran and the United States, is once again facilitating dialogue in an effort to ease tensions and prevent further escalation in the region.
As regional and global actors closely monitor the outcome, the talks are seen as a critical test of whether diplomacy can stabilise relations between the two long-standing rivals and reduce the risk of renewed conflict in the Middle East.
