Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar this weekend ahead of a fresh round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, set to be held in Muscat, Oman on Sunday.
The key focus of these discussions remains Iran’s uranium enrichment programme, sanctions relief, and the future of its civil nuclear ambitions.
During a press talk in Doha, Araghchi said Iran would never give up its nuclear rights, adding:
“If the goal of the deal is to ensure that Iran doesn’t build a nuclear weapon, that’s already achieved. But if unrealistic demands are made, it will be hard to move forward.”
The Iranian government has repeatedly stated that its nuclear programme is for peaceful, civilian purposes, and not aimed at building weapons.
US envoy Steve Witkoff, who will be part of the talks in Oman, said that Washington will demand strong verification measures, including dismantling enrichment sites and sending enriched fuel abroad.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has hinted that importing enriched uranium for peaceful use may be an option for Iran.
The fourth round of these negotiations, initially scheduled in Rome on May 3, was delayed for logistical reasons. Oman’s foreign minister has now confirmed that both Iran and the US have agreed to resume discussions in Muscat.
The talks are crucial amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Iran has increased nuclear activity after the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA) during Donald Trump’s presidency. Many Western states now fear Iran may be inching toward weapon-grade enrichment, although Tehran denies this.
Trump, now in his second term, recently said he prefers diplomacy over conflict but emphasized “total verification” of Iran’s nuclear activities.
In the meantime, Iran is actively reaching out to regional powers. Araghchi termed his Gulf visits as part of “regular consultations”, aiming to keep regional allies, especially Saudi Arabia and Qatar, informed.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed a technical team has already arrived in Oman for Sunday’s round of talks.
