WANA (Feb 26) – Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated before the start of negotiations that the third round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States had effectively begun following a meeting last night between Iran’s Foreign Minister and his Omani counterpart.

 

He said Iran’s positions and concerns were extensively communicated to the Omani side.

 

Baghaei added that, according to information available to Iran, discussions between the U.S. and Oman had already started earlier today.

 

He noted that Iranian officials would likely arrive at one of the Omani venues for the talks within the next 30 to 40 minutes to formally begin the continuation of discussions. He described the process as a continuation of the third round of talks, which effectively began last night.

 

He also indicated that the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to join the discussions, as in the previous round.

 

Regarding contradictory statements from U.S. officials — who are one party to the talks — Baghaei said Iran closely monitors such remarks. He described conflicting comments from American officials as part of a pattern observed over the past year.

 

He emphasized that if U.S. officials have specific positions, they should raise them directly in the negotiating room rather than publicly through the media.

 

He added that making such statements publicly creates the impression of disagreements among U.S. officials themselves regarding their negotiating stance. According to him, these contradictions do not contribute to advancing diplomatic progress and instead increase doubts about the true intentions behind the U.S. position.

 

In response to a question about the meeting held last night between the Foreign Minister of Iran and his Omani counterpart, and regarding Iran’s proposals, he said, it was emphasized that the negotiations remain focused on the nuclear issue, as repeatedly stated.

 

“Iran’s positions are clear both in terms of sanctions relief and in protecting Iran’s nuclear rights and interests, including the peaceful use of nuclear energy, he said.”

 

He added, “under these two main headings, Iran clearly presented its views to the Omani side. The detailed aspects of the discussions are expected to be addressed through ongoing exchanges between the negotiating delegations today.”

 

Iran’s delegation is attending the negotiations with full readiness and seriousness, the spokesperson said.

 

Experts and specialists in nuclear affairs, sanctions relief, and legal and economic matters are included in the delegation, he stated.

 

He added that Iran is prepared to continue the talks for as long as necessary.

A man reads a newspaper with a cover photo of U.S. President Donald Trump, in Tehran, Iran, February 26, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)