Muscat, May 11, 2025 — The Europe Today: Iran and the United States have commenced the fourth round of indirect negotiations in the Omani capital, Muscat, with discussions centered on Tehran’s nuclear program and the potential lifting of sanctions, according to official sources.
Leading the respective delegations are Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Witkoff. The talks, which resumed on Sunday, are being facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who continues to serve as intermediary between the two sides.
Prior to the negotiations, Araqchi held a bilateral meeting with his Omani counterpart, during which he conveyed Iran’s appreciation for Oman’s ongoing efforts in hosting and mediating the high-stakes dialogue. Araqchi reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s consistent position on the negotiations, particularly concerning its nuclear advancements.
Speaking to reporters in Tehran before his departure, Araqchi underscored that Iran’s uranium enrichment capability is a sovereign achievement secured through significant national sacrifice, including the loss of its nuclear scientists. “This achievement is non-negotiable,” he asserted, expressing hope for a constructive outcome from the Muscat talks. He further emphasized that all matters related to the negotiations should be addressed directly at the discussion table rather than through media channels.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that talks commenced promptly upon the Iranian delegation’s arrival in Muscat. He noted that, consistent with previous sessions, Oman’s top diplomat has been relaying communications between the two parties.
The Iranian delegation includes a team of technical experts from various sectors, prepared to provide input as necessary during the negotiations. Araqchi has emphasized the importance of having a robust technical team on hand to ensure informed and detailed discussions.
This latest round of dialogue follows earlier sessions that began on April 12 and represents the highest level of contact between Tehran and Washington since the United States unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018.
