Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
Muscat, Apr 20: Oman’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Sunday that Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff have agreed to move into the next phase of nuclear negotiations aimed at achieving a fair, lasting, and binding agreement on Tehran’s nuclear issues.
The announcement followed indirect talks held earlier in the day in Rome, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. The discussions, hosted by Oman’s embassy in Rome, focused on Iran’s civilian nuclear programme and the lifting of American sanctions.
A spokesperson for Oman’s Foreign Ministry underlined the importance of dialogue and transparent communication, stating that such engagement is crucial to reaching a mutually credible agreement in the interest of both regional and international stability.
The two sides have agreed that the next round of talks will take place in Muscat in the coming days.
Oman’s foreign minister Badr Albusaidi expressed appreciation on social media platform X for the constructive approach shown by both delegations, saying the spirit of cooperation was encouraging and that the talks are gaining momentum.
“I would like to thank Iranian foreign minister Dr Seyed Abbas Araghchi and presidential envoy Steve Witkoff for their highly constructive approach to the talks today. These talks are gaining momentum and now even the unlikely is possible,” Albusaidi posted.
The meeting in Rome marked the second round of diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran. On Friday, ahead of the talks, Araghchi had addressed a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart in Moscow, stating that Tehran would approach the negotiations with seriousness and full determination, while acknowledging serious doubts about the intentions of the US.
The talks come at a critical juncture amid heightened regional tensions and reduced international aid, with observers closely watching for signs of diplomatic progress in one of the world’s most contentious geopolitical flashpoints.