Muscat - Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The fourth round of Iranian-American negotiations resumed today, Sunday, in Muscat, mediated by Oman, with the aim of reaching an understanding on the Iranian nuclear program before Trump's Middle East tour. Both sides affirmed their commitment to a diplomatic solution, but deep disagreements remain over the issues of nuclear enrichment and future safeguards. According to what was published by the European news network in Brussels, "Euronews," it added, "Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi headed to attend the indirect negotiations between Washington and its historic enemy.
The main negotiators from Iran and the United States resumed their talks on Sunday to discuss differences related to the Iranian nuclear program, in an attempt to reach an understanding before President Donald Trump begins his tour of the Middle East.
The two sides have repeatedly emphasized their preference for dialogue over escalation, but deep differences remain between them on several core issues that represent red lines for each side.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff are scheduled to meet in the fourth round of talks in Muscat, mediated by Oman. This is despite the strict statements issued by Washington publicly, which Iranian officials have deemed unhelpful.
Witkoff said that the US position is clear: "No enrichment, no nuclear weapons," which, according to him, means the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear facilities. He added that this round could be the last if it does not produce results.
Trump has repeatedly warned that he may resort to military action against Iran. Iran: If diplomatic efforts fail to resolve the nuclear issue, he is scheduled to begin his tour in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 to 16.
For his part, Araqchi stressed that Iran will not give up its nuclear rights, emphasizing that it is participating in the talks with good will, but not at the expense of legitimate rights.
According to Iranian sources, Tehran is prepared to discuss imposing some restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions, but it categorically refuses to halt uranium enrichment or hand over its stockpile.
An Iranian official close to the negotiating team also explained that there is a difference between what the United States is publicly demanding and what is being discussed behind closed doors, and that matters will become clearer after the upcoming round on Sunday, which was previously postponed for logistical reasons. In addition, Iran affirmed that it would not discuss its ballistic missiles and demanded clear guarantees that Washington would not withdraw from any potential agreement again, as Trump did with the previous agreement in 2018. It is worth noting that Trump announced during his first term that his country would withdraw from the Iranian nuclear agreement and reimpose strict economic sanctions on Tehran, more than three years ago. Since then, Iran has begun easing its commitments under the agreement, including increasing its uranium enrichment to a level close to weapons-grade levels, according to estimates by the International Atomic Energy Agency.