Iran said on Friday it was giving diplomacy a “real” chance in surprise nuclear talks with the United States in Oman, despite mounting pressure from Washington. Longtime rivals Iran and the United States are set to hold talks in Muscat on Saturday aimed at reaching a possible nuclear deal. US President Donald Trump has announced the start of talks with Iran.
“We are giving diplomacy a real chance, in good faith and with full vigilance,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said in a post on X. “The US should appreciate this decision, which has been made despite their hostile rhetoric.” The talks will be led by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
While Trump said the talks would be “direct,” Araghchi said the talks would be “indirect.” Ahead of the scheduled meeting, Washington had continued its policy of “maximum pressure” sanctions on Iran, most recently targeting Iran’s oil network and nuclear program. US President Donald Trump has said military action against Iran is “absolutely possible” if no deal is reached through talks.
On Thursday, Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that such threats could lead to steps including the expulsion of United Nations nuclear inspectors from Iran. In response, Washington said such a move would increase tensions and miscalculate on Iran’s part.
Trump sent a letter to Khamenei last month urging talks and warning of possible military action if Tehran refused. A few weeks later, Tehran said it was open to indirect talks and ruled out the possibility of direct talks as long as the United States maintained its ‘maximum pressure’ policy.
Baghaei said Iran would not make any predictions or predictions before the talks. “We will assess the intentions and seriousness of the other side on Saturday and adjust our next steps accordingly,” Baghaei said.
