WANA (Apr 12) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Muscat, Oman, leading a political delegation for indirect talks with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President’s special envoy for West Asia.

 

On Saturday, April 12, Araghchi landed in Muscat accompanied by Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy for International and Legal Affairs, as well as senior negotiators on sanctions relief, nuclear issues, and other relevant experts.

Earlier in the day, Baghaei announced the Iranian delegation’s departure to Oman via a post on X, quoting the Quran: “When you have decided, then rely upon Allah.” He added, “We are traveling to Muscat with some of our most experienced colleagues alongside the Foreign Minister, determined to use every available means to safeguard Iran’s national strength and interests.”

 

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed hope for a deal with Iran during his second term, signed a memorandum on February 4, 2025, reaffirming the continuation of his administration’s ‘maximum pressure’ policy against Iran. Despite this, he claimed he was “reluctant” to sign the document, stating: “This is very hard on Iran. I hope we won’t have to use it much. Can we reach a deal with Iran? That remains to be seen.”

 

Later, on April 7, 2025, in a press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump declared: “We are in direct talks with Iran. We will have a major meeting on Saturday. Everyone agrees that a deal is better than obvious alternatives. It’s not something I want to use. We’ve entered a very dangerous phase.”

 

He continued: “Saturday’s meeting will be a high-level and direct one. Some suggest these talks will be mediated or involve other countries. No — we are in direct contact with them. We may be able to reach an agreement, one that would be very good for Iran. But for now, we will meet on Saturday at a very senior level and see what happens.”

 

In response to Trump’s remarks, the Iranian Foreign Minister announced that indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. would begin on Saturday, April 12, in Oman. Posting on X, Araghchi wrote: “Iran and the United States will hold high-level indirect talks on Saturday in Oman. This is both an opportunity and a test. The ball is in America’s court.”

 

In an op-ed published in The Washington Post, Araghchi further elaborated on Iran’s negotiating position ahead of the new round of indirect talks in Oman, writing: “In recent weeks, a series of letters and messages have been exchanged between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States. Contrary to some superficial interpretations, these communications — at least from our side — have been neither symbolic nor ceremonial. We consider them a genuine attempt to clarify positions and open a window toward diplomacy.”

 

He added: “Given President Trump’s Monday remarks, Iran is prepared to engage seriously and enter into talks aimed at reaching an agreement. Saturday’s meeting in Oman is as much a test as it is an opportunity.”