Iran Seeks Fair Nuclear Deal in Today’s Talks with US

• Araghchi travels to Oman “with full authority for indirect talks with the US.”
• An official states that moving forward would be “effortless” if the US demonstrated goodwill.
• Trump reaffirms his stance against Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon.

On Friday, Iran announced its desire for a “genuine and just” agreement regarding its nuclear program, while the United States indicated a readiness to negotiate ahead of crucial talks this weekend. However, the US maintains that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.

The two long-standing adversaries are scheduled to convene today in Oman, following a letter sent to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from US President Donald Trump, who sought diplomatic solutions but cautioned of possible military action if Iran does not cooperate.

“Rather than merely putting on a façade and speaking in front of cameras, Tehran is genuinely pursuing a fair agreement, with significant and feasible proposals already prepared,” stated adviser Ali Shamkhani on X.

He also confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is heading to Oman with “full authority for indirect negotiations with the US,” adding that if Washington shows goodwill, the progression of discussions would be “smooth.”

Leading up to the negotiations, Trump reiterated his opposition to Iran attaining nuclear capabilities. “I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country. But they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One, just hours before his envoy Steve Witkoff was expected to meet Araghchi.

Witkoff, a close ally of Trump serving in the role of a globe-trotting diplomat, expressed a willingness to find common ground prior to the meetings.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, he noted that “our current position” begins with a demand for Iran to completely dismantle its nuclear program, which is a perspective favored by hardliners within Trump’s circle, yet few believe Iran would ever agree to this.

“That doesn’t mean we won’t explore other avenues for compromise between our two nations,” Witkoff continued. “Our non-negotiable line, however, must be the prevention of the weaponization of your nuclear capabilities.”

Former President Barack Obama had negotiated a deal in 2015 aimed at forestalling Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, without insisting on the complete dismantling of its controversial program.

Trump derided this agreement as insufficient and annulled it after taking office, subsequently placing extensive sanctions on Iran’s oil industry.

Tehran adhered to the terms of the deal for a year before retracting its commitments.

‘Hostile Rhetoric’

As the talks approach, Trump stated that military action remains an “absolutely” viable option should discussions fall through.

In response, Iran indicated it could expel United Nations nuclear inspectors, which provoked a warning from the US labeling this action as an “escalation.”

Tehran has consistently denied any intentions to obtain nuclear arms.

On Friday, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei remarked that Iran is “earnestly giving diplomacy a real chance, approached in good faith and with full vigilance.” He urged the US to recognize this decision, despite their “hostile rhetoric.”

On Thursday, the US imposed further sanctions targeting Iran’s oil network and its nuclear endeavors.

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s nuclear agency, downplayed the effects of these sanctions. “They applied maximum pressure with various sanctions, but they were unable to halt the progress of our nation,” he asserted. “They still believe they can deter this country with threats, intimidation, psychological warfare, or foolish actions.”

Before the talks in Oman, Witkoff, who is also looking to resolve the Ukraine conflict, made a trip to Russia, which maintains strong ties with Iran.

The European Union, which supported the Obama-era agreement, remarked on Friday that “there is no alternative to diplomacy” concerning the nuclear issue with Iran.