WANA (Apr 08) – Seyed Hossein Mousavian, a senior Iranian diplomat and former spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization—currently residing in the US—wrote on his X page that direct negotiations between Iran and the US are highly likely, based on past experiences.

 

Mousavian wrote:”The talks between Iran and the US will likely be conducted by Mr. Araghchi and Mr. Whitkoff. But will they be direct or indirect?”

 

“Mr. Trump announced that on Saturday, there will be ‘direct and high-level’ negotiations between the US and Iran.”

 

“Mr. Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, announced that Iran and the US will hold ‘indirect high-level’ talks on Saturday in Oman. Both statements are correct—there is no contradiction.”

He explained that a similar situation happened during Obama’s administration. Initially, talks began in Istanbul with the presence of Catherine Ashton. Later, Ashton left the room, allowing Iranian and American negotiators to speak directly, which led to positive outcomes.

 

Mousavian believes a similar pattern may unfold in Oman this Saturday: Foreign Minister Araghchi and Steve Whitkoff will begin talks indirectly, and if the initial phase goes well, direct talks between the Iranian and US representatives could follow within an hour or two.

 

He concluded that both Washington and Tehran seem to be taking a rational approach and that a deal is possible. He emphasized that both negotiators are capable, experienced, moderate, and reasonable.