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Iran and United States prepare to hold talks Friday in Oman, as Washington seeks to gauge prospects for diplomatic progress on Iran nuclear programme and other issues, while keeping military threat in place.
Talks, confirmed by both sides late Wednesday after uncertainty over venue, timing and format, mark first such meeting between rivals since US participation in Israel war against Iran in June, which included strikes on 3 nuclear sites.
Iran Foreign Ministry says Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departs for Muscat to lead Iranian delegation. US delegation to be led by Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Ministry says it hopes US side will engage with ‘responsibility, realism and seriousness’, adding: ‘We must not miss any opportunity to use diplomacy to secure Iran interests and ensure regional peace and stability.’
Meeting comes less than a month after peak of protests across Iran, which rights groups say met with unprecedented crackdown leaving thousands dead.
Trump says in Washington: ‘They are negotiating… they do not want us to strike them. We have a big fleet heading there,’ referring to aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and its strike group.
Trump initially threatens military action over protest crackdown and tells protesters ‘help is on the way’, but recent rhetoric focuses on curbing nuclear programme, which West fears aims at building bomb.
Vice President JD Vance says Trump will keep options open and pursue non-military means where possible, but will choose military option if needed. Vance also expresses frustration over lack of direct contact with Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urges Tehran to enter talks ‘seriously’, warning of major escalation risks. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says parties appear to give diplomacy a chance and that conflict ‘not solution’.
Disputes arise over scope of talks, including regional allies and missile programme, which Iran rejects. New York Times reports US agrees to exclude regional states and focus on nuclear file, while also addressing missile programme to reach possible framework.
US-based Institute for Study of War says Iran still shows intransigence toward US demands, reducing chances of diplomatic outcome.
Amid ongoing threats, US deploys Abraham Lincoln strike group to region. Iran warns it would target US bases if attacked. Iranian military spokesman says Trump must choose between settlement or war.
Iran Revolutionary Guard detains two oil tankers with foreign crews in Gulf over alleged fuel smuggling. Flags and nationalities not immediately clear.
AFP