Talks with US set to continue after ‘good beginning’, Iran’s foreign minister says
Senior US and Iranian Officials Set to Continue Discussions
Senior US and Iranian officials are set to continue discussions following talks in Oman, the Iranian foreign minister stated, amid a crisis that has raised fears of a conflict between the two nations. Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the mediated discussions marked a “good beginning” and were “exclusively nuclear,” with negotiators planning to return to their capitals for further consultations.
Ahead of the talks, US officials expressed interest in discussing Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for regional armed groups, highlighting the existing gaps between the countries’ positions. No immediate US reaction has been announced following the talks.
US Military Buildup and Regional Tensions
The discussions took place against the backdrop of a US military buildup in the Middle East, a response to Iran’s violent repression of nationwide anti-government protests last month. Human rights groups reported that the crackdown resulted in the deaths of thousands, with the Human Rights Activists News Agency confirming at least 6,941 fatalities and warning the toll could be much higher. Over 50,000 people have been arrested in the unrest.
Threats and Mutual Posturing
President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Iran if a deal is not reached, while the US has deployed thousands of troops and what he described as an “armada” to the region, including an aircraft carrier, warships, and fighter jets. Iran, in turn, has vowed to respond to an attack with force, targeting American military assets in the Middle East and Israel.
Mediation and Context of Talks
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi mediated the discussions, stating in a social media post that the talks were “useful to clarify both Iranian and American thinking and identify areas for possible progress.” Araghchi led the Iranian delegation, while the US was represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
This marks the first dialogue between US and Iranian officials since the war between Israel and Iran in June, when the US bombed Iran’s three main nuclear facilities. Despite the prospect of further meetings, major differences remain, making it unclear if a deal is possible. For Iran’s leaders, the talks represent a potential chance to avert US military action, which could further destabilize the regime, according to analysts.
“There is an atmosphere of mistrust between the two sides that ‘must be overcome,’ and details about the possible next round of talks will be decided later,” said Abbas Araghchi during an interview with Iranian state television.
