US President Donald Trump on Friday praised talks he described as 'very good' taking place with Iran, following an indirect round of negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic in the Sultanate of Oman, confirming that the two sides would meet again 'early next week'. Tehran had earlier announced an agreement to continue negotiations with Washington after the current round of talks concluded.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the indirect negotiations held with the United States were a 'good start', noting that there was an agreement on the principle of continuing the negotiation process and an agreement to continue meetings.
Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One: 'We had very good talks about Iran, and it seems Iran is very eager to make a deal,' adding that the two sides would meet again early next week.
These talks are the first since the United States launched strikes on key sites of Iran's nuclear program last June during the twelve-day war that Israel initiated against Iran. These moves come as Washington strengthens its military capabilities in the Middle East by deploying the aircraft carrier 'Abraham Lincoln', while Iran has vowed to target American bases if attacked.
Araghchi led his country's delegation in the talks, while the American delegation was led by Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy to the Middle East, in addition to the President's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Araghchi praised the atmosphere of the talks, explaining in statements to Iranian state television that they took place in a positive atmosphere where the two sides exchanged views, with an agreement to determine mechanisms and timing later.
Araghchi stressed that the discussions focus exclusively on the nuclear issue, refusing to discuss any other issues, while the United States emphasizes the necessity of addressing the ballistic missile program and Iranian support for armed groups in the region.
Iran's Foreign Minister urged Washington to stop 'threats' to ensure the completion of the discussions, noting that negotiators would decide how to proceed after consulting with their leaders. For his part, the Omani Foreign Minister described the talks held in Muscat as 'very serious', emphasizing the importance of clarifying positions and identifying areas of possible progress.
Araghchi had affirmed his country's readiness to defend its sovereignty against any 'excessive demands', stressing that Iran enters diplomacy 'with open eyes' and in good faith while adhering to its rights.
We had very good talks about Iran, and it seems Iran is very eager to make a deal.
شارك برأيك
Trump praises 'very good' talks with Iran, negotiations to resume early next week