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An Iranian diplomatic delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed for the Omani capital Muscat for renewed nuclear talks with the United States, the Foreign Ministry spokesman announced on Thursday.
Spokesman Esmail Baqaei said Iran is determined to reach a 1fair, acceptable and respectful understanding,1 adding that Tehran considers it a responsibility 1not to miss any opportunity to use diplomacy to preserve peace and tranquillity in the region."
He expressed hope that the American side would participate "with responsibility, realism and seriousness," while also praising "the constructive role" of regional states in facilitating dialogue as both sides seek to reduce hostilities.
The upcoming talks in Muscat, initially cast into doubt earlier this week due to logistical and format issues, are now confirmed to proceed as scheduled on Friday, according to the White House.
The U.S. delegation will include Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s senior advisor and son-in-law, along with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East.
The renewed diplomatic engagement comes against a backdrop of heightened military tension in the Persian Gulf. U.S. President Trump has declined to rule out the use of military force, raising the stakes as the two countries seek to revive a channel of dialogue.
In recent weeks, the U.S. has increased its naval presence in the region, while Iran has continued to stress the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.
The U.S. and Israel continue to accuse Iran of developing nuclear weapons capabilities, a charge Tehran denies. Iranian officials maintain that the nuclear program is intended solely for civilian applications, including electricity generation.
Iran says its participation in the talks is part of a broader effort to safeguard national interests while contributing to regional peace and security. The outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain, but both sides have indicated a willingness to engage at a critical juncture
Ahead of the talks, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran is negotiating to avoid a strike, stating, "They don't want us to hit them. They're negotiating."
Meanwhile, the death toll from mass anti-government protests, which Tehran accuses the U.S. and Israel of foreign interference, has reached 6,563, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported.
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