Iran, US Begin Talks As Tehran Seeks ‘Initial Understanding’
Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart, Badr Al Busaidi, before the talks, and conveyed Iran’s “core stances and red lines” to him to relay to the Americans, state TV also said.
Iran and the US have begun the first round of talks over Tehran’s nuclear program, with Tehran saying the discussions could lead to “an initial understanding.”
Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry, announced the start of the talks on X. State TV earlier reported that the two delegations would be in separate rooms, with Omani officials exchanging notes between the two sides.
Speaking ahead of the talks in Oman on Saturday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “If the other side has entered the talks with the same approach, then, God willing, there will be a chance for an initial understanding that can lead to a path of negotiations.”
He said the two sides could also agree on a timeline for future discussions if US negotiators, led by President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, show “sufficient will.” He added that Iran is seeking a “fair and honorable agreement from a position of equality.”
Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart, Badr Al Busaidi, before the talks, and conveyed Iran’s “core stances and red lines” to him to relay to the Americans, state TV also said.
Ahead of Saturday, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader warned that continued military threats could prompt Tehran to roll back international oversight of its nuclear program. Meanwhile, a front-page article on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s website Friday stated that Iran could walk away from talks if US negotiators raise unrelated issues, such as Tehran’s regional influence or defense capabilities.
Still, there are signs Iran may be preparing for a potential breakthrough.
Local media reported that the country will next week review its potential accession to two United Nations-backed treaties. The CFT and Palermo conventions, aimed at combating money laundering and terrorism financing, have faced years of resistance in Iran over concerns they could undermine the country’s support for allies and expose its financial networks to Western scrutiny.
Separately, National Iranian Oil Co. said it will host a conference later this month to present billions in oil and gas investment opportunities, the first such initiative in years to attract capital to key energy projects.
