Iran and US say nuclear discussions 'constructive'

Iran and the United States concluded a preliminary round of what both parties called "constructive "nuclear talks in Oman on Saturday and will meet again a week later.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said the indirect talks with US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff were "constructive and promising".

"The talks were conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I elaborated Iran's viewpoints in a firm yet forward-looking manner. Both sides decided to continue the process in a matter of days," he said.

A White House statement said the discussions "were very positive and constructive".

Witkoff's "direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome", it said. "The sides agreed to meet again next Saturday."

Iran's First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref said Teheran's stance and strategy in negotiations are clear, and it seeks to uphold the inalienable rights of the Iranian people, reported the Islamic Republic News Agency.

Oman's foreign minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, thanked his Iranian counterpart and the US for "this engagement which took place in a friendly atmosphere, conducive to bridging viewpoints and ultimately achieving regional and global peace, security and stability".

"We will continue to work together and put further efforts to assist in arriving at this goal," he said on X.

'Push-pull pattern'

Dina Yulianti Sulaeman, director of the Indonesia Center for Middle East Studies, told China Daily: "Although these negotiations seem to be a positive step, we must realize that the US has had a push-pull pattern in its relations with Iran. Every time there is progress, new pressure always appears, whether in the form of additional sanctions or military maneuvers in the Gulf."

Iran has repeatedly stated it is open to dialogue "if the process is fair and not accompanied by threats or sanctions", she said.

"Therefore, the US' credibility is questionable here. Does it really want a diplomatic solution, or does it just want to force Iran to submit?

"Besides involving Oman, the role of independent countries such as China is crucial to ensure this process does not become an arena for unilateral pressure."

Saturday's high-level talks were the first in years after the US unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in 2018.

jan@chinadailyapac.com