TEHRAN:
Iran is pushing for a “real and fair” resolution in its nuclear discussions with the United States, according to a senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The statement sets the tone for upcoming indirect negotiations scheduled to take place in Oman this weekend.
The long-time rivals are expected to engage in fresh dialogue on Saturday to seek progress on Tehran’s nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump recently sent a letter to Ayatollah Khamenei urging dialogue, while also cautioning that military options remain on the table if diplomacy fails.
Ali Shamkhani, a top adviser to the Supreme Leader, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Tehran is not interested in optics or superficial talks. “We are ready with serious and actionable proposals for a meaningful deal,” he posted. He confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would be traveling to Oman with full authority to conduct indirect talks with the U.S.
Shamkhani emphasized that if the U.S. demonstrates genuine intent, the process could move forward smoothly.
As preparations for the talks unfold, Trump reiterated his willingness to consider military measures if negotiations break down. Iran, in turn, warned it may expel UN nuclear inspectors—a move Washington labeled as a dangerous escalation.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is strictly peaceful and denies any ambition to develop nuclear weapons.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy. “We are engaging in these talks sincerely and with full awareness. The U.S. should respect this decision despite its ongoing hostile rhetoric,” he said.
The talks were originally disclosed by Trump during a joint press event with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While the U.S. insists the discussions will be direct, Iranian officials have repeatedly said they will proceed indirectly through text exchanges.
Iran’s Fars news agency reported that communication would occur via written exchanges, although it did not cite an official source.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt responded by stressing that the U.S. expects face-to-face dialogue. “Let me be clear: the president supports direct diplomacy,” she told reporters.
The discussions will be led by Iran’s Abbas Araghchi and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. Oman, which has a history of mediating in nuclear negotiations, is once again playing a central role.
In the lead-up to the talks, Witkoff also visited Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin for separate discussions on Ukraine. Meanwhile, Moscow hosted a high-level meeting earlier this week with officials from Iran, Russia, and China to consult on nuclear matters, according to the Russian foreign ministry.
