The United States and Iranian officials The first round of direct talks in Oman Saturday, which was an important step in years of tensions and a stagnation of diplomacy, will continue further discussions next weekend, according to a statement issued by the White House.
The meeting between U.S. Special Envoy Steven Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is the first face-to-face exchange since President Donald Trump As Iran continues to expand its nuclear program, it returns to the office.
The White House described the discussion as “very positive and constructive”, adding: “The United States deeply appreciates Oman’s support for this initiative.”
Witkoff was joined by US Ambassador Aman Ana Escrogima Trump himself If possible, he directs him to try to resolve the differences through diplomacy.
Representatives from Iran, the United States holds talks amid constant tensions: What to know
Steve Witkoff, the special White House envoy in the Middle East, met with Iranian officials on Saturday. （AP/Ben Curtis）
The negotiations took place in the outskirts of Muscat, the capital of Oman, and lasted for more than two hours. The Omanian Foreign Minister said Badr presided over the meeting.
Iranian state television later confirmed that the two sides had exchanged several rounds of information, and a brief direct dialogue between the United States and Iranian diplomats.
Military pressure seems to be an important reason for Iran’s arrival in the seat. Rebecca Grant, a senior researcher at Lexington College, told the Fox Report on Saturday that the U.S. sent a clear signal through mobile Strong military assets Enter the area.
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“All options are not just on the table. They are all deployed to the Middle East,” Grant said. “Between four to six B-2 stealth bombers,” he said. [are] In Diego Garcia [along with] Two aircraft carriers. This has indeed attracted Iran’s attention. ”
Grant said Iran is now facing a choice.
“Iran has to talk or bomb its nuclear facilities,” she said.
Tensions between the two countries have been high since Trump pulled the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Donald Trump (Iran’s Supreme Leader/WANA’s Office; Reuters/Elizabeth Franz/Archive Photo)
The agreement strictly limits Iran’s nuclear program. Since then, Iran has been enriching uranium at a higher level. The latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says Iran enriches uranium to 60% purity, below weapon grade, and stores more than 18,000 pounds of uranium. According to the initial transaction, Iran’s purity limit was 3.67%, with smaller inventory.
although US intelligence agencies Don’t believe Iran has begun building nuclear weapons, they warned that the country will be closer to being able to do so if it is decided.
Fox News military analyst General Jack Keane said Iran’s leaders now believe that Trump will be serious about using military power if he disagrees with Iran’s nuclear program.
“They concluded that the president’s strike against Iranian-backed strikes in order to defeat its nuclear companies is serious,” Keane said.
An Iranian man holds an anti-US poster during a rally in the center of Tehran. (Morteza Nikoubazl/Nurphoto via Getty Images)
Grant explained that if the conversation fails, the United States and its allies can go on strike.
“Last year Israel took away a large number of Iran’s air defenses,” she said. “Then you have two [U.S.] Carrier, land-based fighters in the area and B-2 bombers with sabotage bombs. That’s a threat to show. ”
She added that Iran does not need to enrich uranium because it can buy nuclear fuel on the open market.
“It’s time to start a deal,” she said. “And I think maybe because of our military pressure and Trump’s determination, they’re starting to realize that.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he will not open to direct negotiations Nuclear Program But it also accuses the United States of violating past promises.
“They have to prove that they can build trust,” Pezshkian said at a recent cabinet meeting.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned if the threat continues.
“Violence breeds violence, peace promotes peace,” he wrote on social media. “The United States can choose courses…and recognize the consequences.”
Iran launched a medium ballistic missile (Harremshahr-4) called Hayber (Hurremshahr-4) on May 7, 2023. (Iranian Ministry of Defense/Hannold/Anadolo via Getty Image)
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox News that no transaction will happen unless Iran abandons its nuclear weapons program.
“We have to completely and reliably eliminate their nuclear weapons program to reach any agreement,” he said. “We just ask them about their behavior like a normal country.”
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Grant said any future deal requires strict terms.
“It has to include actual inspections,” she said. “Frankly, this will have to include them giving up, some of which are rich in uranium. There must be some restrictions on their ballistic missile development.”
According to a White House statement, the two countries are scheduled to meet again in Oman on April 19.
Bradford Betz of Fox News Digital and the Associated Press contributed to the report.
