Iran confirms continuation of indirect negotiations with US facilitated by Oman
TEHRAN: Iran confirmed on Monday that it has been engaged in ongoing indirect negotiations with the United States through the Sultanate of Oman regarding its nuclear deal and the potential for a prisoner swap.
Iran’s nuclear program has long been under scrutiny from Western powers, leading to sanctions that have severely impacted the country’s economy.
The 2015 nuclear deal provided Tehran with much-needed sanctions relief in exchange for limitations on its nuclear program, but the agreement collapsed when the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018.
Despite recent media reports suggesting that the two nations were close to reaching an interim deal to replace the 2015 accord, both capitals have denied such claims.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, stated on Monday that Iran welcomes the efforts of Omani officials and has exchanged messages with the other party through this mediator to discuss the lifting of US sanctions. Kanani emphasized that the diplomatic processes have never ceased and that the talks have not been conducted in secret.
Diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington have been strained since 1980 following the 1979 Islamic revolution led by Iran’s first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Attempts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have so far been unsuccessful. Iran and the United States have also engaged in talks mediated by Oman regarding a potential prisoner exchange.
Kanani stated on Monday that a prisoner swap could be agreed upon “in the near future” if Washington demonstrates the same level of seriousness as Tehran.
Several Iranian-Americans, including businessman Siamak Namazi, who was arrested in October 2015 and sentenced to 10 years in prison for espionage, are currently detained in Iran.
In recent weeks, Iran has released six European citizens and recovered an Iranian diplomat, Assadollah Assadi, who was convicted of terrorism and imprisoned in Belgium.
Kanani also refuted claims that Iran had supplied Russia with equipment to establish a drone factory.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby had previously warned that Russia was receiving materials from Iran for the construction of a drone factory on its territory.
“We deny any accusations regarding the export of arms to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine,” Kanani stated.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reiterated on Sunday that Iran has no intention of acquiring nuclear weapons. He emphasized that agreements could be reached as long as they do not alter the existing infrastructure of Iran’s nuclear industry.
“We believe diplomacy is the best way to achieve that goal on a verifiable and durable basis, but the President has also been clear that we have not removed any option from the table,” Khamenei stated, alluding to the possibility of military action.
Khamenei further asserted that accusations of Tehran seeking nuclear weapons are baseless and that Iran’s religious beliefs prevent it from pursuing such arms.
