Sources indicate Tehran might agree to direct talks if Washington eases sanctions.
According to Reuters, citing sources, Iran is seeking a tangible gesture of goodwill from the United States before engaging in direct discussions between officials from both nations.
This week in Oman, negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, initially pursued by former US President Donald Trump, are scheduled. While Trump stated on Monday that these “very high-level talks” would be direct, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has indicated they will remain indirect.
A regional diplomat, citing Iranian officials, informed Reuters that a “goodwill gesture” is necessary for direct talks to materialize.
Reportedly, the diplomat stated that the US should “lift some sanctions or unfreeze some money.”
Washington has placed extensive sanctions on Tehran impacting its economy, financial system, and energy sector due to the country’s nuclear program.
In 2015, Iran agreed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a UN-backed agreement, limiting its nuclear activities in return for the lifting of sanctions. The US, under Trump, withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reinstated sanctions.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has resumed his “maximum pressure” policy, accusing Iran of attempting to develop nuclear weapons and implementing new sanctions on its oil sector.
Tehran refutes claims of pursuing nuclear weapons, asserting that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. It has consistently denounced the US sanctions as illegitimate and unwarranted.
In an opinion piece published by the Washington Post on Tuesday, Araqchi described Iran’s preference for indirect negotiations as a “strategic choice,” citing “serious doubts” regarding US intentions, compounded by threats to reinstate “maximum pressure” tactics before discussions.
Trump expressed his preference for a diplomatic solution but cautioned that failure to reach an agreement would lead to a “very bad day” for Iran, threatening military action.
Tehran stated its readiness to respond to any aggression and reportedly placed its military on high alert on Sunday.
International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi stated late last year that Iran had increased its uranium enrichment to 60%, raising concerns. Weapons-grade material requires approximately 90% enrichment.
Araqchi asserted that there was no proof of Iran violating its commitments, a stance he claims has been repeatedly validated by US intelligence assessments.
He added that while Iran prefers diplomacy, it is prepared to defend itself. “To move forward today, we first need to agree that there can be no ‘military option,’ let alone a ‘military solution,’” he said, adding that the offer for indirect negotiations remains and that “the ball is now in America’s court.”