Tehran is seeking reassurances that any potential agreement will be based on the 2015 nuclear deal, preserving Iran’s nuclear rights and preventing mission creep [Getty]
Tehran and Washington are set to begin indirect negotiations in Muscat on Saturday, following a quiet exchange of messages facilitated by Oman, sources reveal – but deep mistrust continues to cast a shadow over the talks, which focus primarily on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Sources familiar with the matter told The New Arab’s Arabic-language edition, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, on Tuesday that the upcoming indirect negotiations were arranged after a series of backchannel communications between the two sides, brokered by Muscat.
The exchange was triggered by an Iranian response last month to a letter from US President Donald Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The sources, who requested anonymity, said the Iranian foreign ministry sent its reply to Oman on 27 March, asking it to deliver the message to the US administration.
“The very act of responding – rather than ignoring Trump’s message – helped break the diplomatic deadlock and prompted serious movement toward indirect talks,” one source said.
Following the Iranian reply, Tehran received a message from the US indicating Washington’s willingness to begin negotiations swiftly.
Iran’s message had already signalled its readiness to engage in indirect discussions. Despite this, Iranian officials remain wary of US intentions.
Iranian officials expressed little confidence in any progress. They remain suspicious that the US intends to broaden the scope of the talks beyond the nuclear issue – something Tehran has categorically rejected.
“Trump wants a new deal: end Iran’s regional influence, dismantle its nuclear programme, and halt its missile work. These are unacceptable to Tehran,” said a senior Iranian official. “Our defence is non-negotiable.”
While the US has said it prefers direct talks, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated on Tuesday that Tehran would only agree to indirect negotiations for now, citing pressure and threats from Washington.
“Indirect negotiations can guarantee a genuine and effective dialogue,” he told Iranian state news agency IRNA.
Araghchi is expected to lead the Iranian delegation, while Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will head the US team. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi will act as mediator.
A source briefed on US planning confirmed that the discussions would be broad and political rather than technical in nature.
Tehran is also seeking reassurances that any potential agreement will be based on the 2015 nuclear deal, preserving Iran’s nuclear rights and preventing mission creep.
Officials have made clear that face-to-face talks will only be considered if the US first offers a concrete goodwill gesture, such as lifting sanctions or unfreezing Iranian assets.
Russia backs dialogue as tensions rise
Russia has endorsed both direct and indirect negotiations between Iran and the US as a means to de-escalate tensions, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirming that “certain contacts” were planned in Oman.
On the same day, Russia’s lower house of parliament ratified a 20-year strategic partnership with Iran, signalling deepening ties between the two countries.
At a press conference on Monday alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said he preferred diplomacy over confrontation.
“I think everyone agrees that reaching a deal would be better,” he said. “Everyone agrees a deal is preferable to doing the obvious – and frankly, I don’t want to be involved in the obvious. And, frankly, neither does Israel, if it can be avoided.”
Netanyahu, who has long urged military action against Iran’s nuclear programme, said a diplomatic solution could be acceptable – but only if it includes full dismantling, referencing Libya’s now-defunct atomic programme.
The upcoming round in Oman, scheduled for Saturday, is being described as “exploratory” and will focus on setting an agenda for potential future talks. Iran has received what it views as positive signals about the framework of the negotiations but remains cautious until discussions begin.
Iranian sources say Tehran is open to discussing regional de-escalation, but not at the expense of its strategic interests or alliances.
“We will not allow our regional policies and partnerships to be questioned,” one official said.
