In a move that could represent a glimmer of hope for reducing tensions in the Gulf region, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi described the atmosphere of the talks held with the United States in Oman as “very positive,” stressing that both sides agreed to continue negotiations in the future.
These statements came after a round of indirect talks hosted by Muscat, which focused exclusively on the Iranian nuclear issue, amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington in recent months.
A historical background of tension and diplomacy
The roots of the current crisis can be traced back to 2018, when former US President Donald Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from the landmark nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action – JCPOA), signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 group. Following the withdrawal, Washington reimposed harsh economic sanctions on Tehran as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign, aiming to force Iran to negotiate a new agreement that would address its ballistic missile program and regional influence. In response, Iran began gradually reducing its compliance with the agreement and increased the pace of its uranium enrichment activities.
These talks come as President Joe Biden's administration continues its efforts to find a diplomatic path to revive the agreement, considering Trump's withdrawal a strategic mistake. Oman, which enjoys good relations with both Tehran and Washington, plays a historic role as a trusted mediator, having hosted secret talks that paved the way for the original nuclear agreement.
Details of the talks and their importance
In a statement to Iranian state television, Araqchi described the talks as “constructive,” saying, “In a very positive atmosphere, we exchanged arguments and shared our viewpoints with the other side.” He added that both sides agreed to continue the dialogue, but the mechanisms and timing of future rounds would be determined after consultations with the relevant capitals. Araqchi emphasized that the talks “focus exclusively on the nuclear issue, and we are not discussing any other issues with the Americans,” a clear indication of Tehran’s refusal to link its missile program or regional policies to the nuclear negotiations.
This round of talks is of paramount importance, coming at a critical juncture as the United States reinforces its military presence in the Gulf, increasing the risk of miscalculation that could lead to a military confrontation. Any diplomatic progress, however small, represents a significant step toward defusing the crisis.
Expected impact at the regional and international levels
The success of these negotiations in achieving a breakthrough could have far-reaching consequences. Domestically, easing sanctions could revitalize Iran’s struggling economy, mitigating popular discontent. Regionally, reaching an understanding would reduce tensions in the Gulf, reassure neighboring states concerned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and potentially pave the way for broader regional dialogue. Internationally, reviving the nuclear agreement would represent a victory for multilateral diplomacy and nuclear nonproliferation efforts, and would bolster the position of the Biden administration, which has championed diplomatic solutions. Despite the positive atmosphere, there has been no immediate reaction from the US side, indicating that the road to a final agreement remains long and fraught with challenges.
