Following a period of stalled talks and heightened regional tensions, Iran and the United States have signaled a willingness to resume negotiations. Iranian officials stated both countries agree a second round of discussions should be held “soon,” following a meeting in Muscat, Oman, on Friday .The move comes as the U.S. maintains a notable military presence in the region, including a carrier strike group, and amid ongoing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities.
Iran and the United States both agree that a second round of negotiations should be held “soon,” according to Iranian officials, as regional tensions remain high following a recent meeting in Oman. The development comes amid a heightened military presence in the region and threats of potential conflict.
Speaking after talks held Friday in Muscat, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri said that while no specific date has been set for the next round of discussions, both Tehran and Washington believe they should take place in the near future.
Bagheri affirmed that Iran will not concede its right to uranium enrichment, but expressed a willingness to reach an agreement that would alleviate Western concerns. “Enrichment is an inalienable right and must continue. They will not be able to destroy our capabilities even with bombing. We are ready to reach a reassuring agreement on enrichment,” he stated.
The statements followed the meeting in Muscat, which signaled a resumption of nuclear talks with Washington. The U.S. has deployed a carrier strike group to the region and threatened military action against Iran over what it describes as the “suppression” of anti-government protests.
Friday’s meeting marked the first since negotiations stalled last year following a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, in which the United States participated.
Bagheri also warned that Iran would retaliate if targeted by the U.S., stating, “There is no room to attack American territory if Washington attacks us, but we will attack their bases in the region.”
Describing the Muscat talks as a “good start,” Bagheri emphasized that “the road is still long to build trust.” He added, “Although the negotiations were indirect, the opportunity arose to shake hands with the American delegation.”
He reiterated that a date for the next round of talks has not yet been determined, but that both Iran and the U.S. agree on the need for continued dialogue.
However, Bagheri affirmed that Iran will not discuss its ballistic missile program, calling it “a purely defensive matter for us, which cannot be negotiated at all.”
