Tehran Insists on Indirect Negotiations Despite Trump Claims of Direct Nuclear Talks
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that direct negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding Tehran’s nuclear program were set to begin imminently, though Iranian officials swiftly clarified that discussions would remain indirect, mediated through Oman.
Speaking from the Oval Office alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump declared: “We’re having direct talks with Iran, and they’ve started. It’ll go on Saturday. We have a very big meeting, and we’ll see what can happen.” The announcement followed weeks of heightened rhetoric, during which Trump repeatedly warned Iran that it must negotiate directly or face possible military action.
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Shortly after Trump’s statement, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated via social media platform X that talks would proceed only indirectly, describing the coming negotiations in Oman as “as much an opportunity as it is a test,” adding, “The ball is in America’s court.”
The US State Department envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Araqchi are expected to lead their respective delegations, with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi mediating. Oman has historically played a diplomatic role between Washington and Tehran.
