Teheran sees opportunity and test in nuclear talks

Iran's confirmation of indirect talks with the United States on the nuclear issue in Oman on Saturday, following contrasting claims of "direct talks" by the White House, is being seen by Teheran as both an "opportunity" as well as a "test", after threats of bombings by Washington.

"Iran and the United States will meet in Oman on Saturday for indirect high-level talks," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a post on X early on Tuesday. "It is as much an opportunity as it is a test. The ball is in America's court," he said.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, made a surprise announcement: "We're having direct talks with Iran," indicating a "very big meeting" to involve "very high-level" officials.

The moves came after Iran sent a reply to Trump on his proposal for negotiations via Oman on March 27, rejecting direct talks with the US under heavy pressure and threats, but keeping the door open for indirect contacts. Trump announced on March 7 that he sent a letter to the Iranian leadership calling for nuclear negotiations, but threatened to bomb Iran if no agreement is reached.

"We believe in negotiation, but not in humiliation," Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed on Monday when commenting on nuclear talks with the US, Iran's MEHR News Agency reported.

"We are not seeking war, tensions or nuclear weapons; we are seeking negotiations. However, the Americans must also prove that they are genuinely pursuing negotiations," said Pezeshkian during a meeting with representatives of political parties and associations.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said Iran has always believed in dialogue, and as long as the other side speaks with the language of respect, Teheran is ready to engage in talks.

Rational mindset

"As a negotiating party, we approach these talks with an equal footing and a rational mindset, aiming for a process that protects our national interests and improves the situation of our people."

Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with six major countries — the United Kingdom, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the US — in July 2015, accepting restrictions on its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. However, in May 2018, during Trump's first term, the US withdrew from the deal and reinstated sanctions.

On Monday, Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Iran, told a news conference that a tripartite meeting is to be held in Moscow, where China, Russia, and Iran will discuss various aspects related to the nuclear issue.

Moscow welcomed nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, after Washington and Teheran made the announcement of high-level discussions.