jordan pulse -

Iran and United States open negotiations Friday morning in Muscat, with Tehran stressing adherence to its rights amid escalating US pressure and White House anticipation of outcomes.
Iranian official sources tell Al Jazeera indirect talks with Washington start with a meeting between Iranian foreign minister and Omani counterpart, after Iranian state broadcaster reports Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi heads to talks venue in Muscat.
Araghchi leads Iranian delegation, while US delegation led by President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Wall Street Journal, citing US official, says commander of US Central Command to join talks.
Developments come amid fears talks may collapse under US pressure and rising tensions. Iran insists negotiations limited to nuclear programme, while Washington seeks to raise other files including Iran missile programme.
Araghchi warns raising issues outside agreed framework would derail talks, holding United States responsible for any potential failure, ahead of departure to Muscat.
Iran vigilance
Before talks, Araghchi says Tehran negotiates in good faith while holding firmly to its rights, as White House says Trump closely watches results amid increased US military deployments in Middle East.
Araghchi, arriving in Muscat late Thursday, says Iran enters talks “with open eyes and full memory of last year’s events”.
He adds: “We engage negotiations in good faith and cling to our rights,” stressing mutual respect and shared interests essential, not rhetorical, at negotiating table.
IRNA quotes Iranian officials saying agreement sought by Tehran achievable only through commitment, mutual respect and avoidance of threats, adding Iran aims for realistic deal and tangible outcomes in Muscat talks.
These negotiations mark first since US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June during 12-day war following Israeli attack on Iran.
Al Jazeera + agencies