Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Iran nuclear talks with the United States may resume soon. He emphasized Tehran’s red lines and warned Washington against any military attack, while underlining that Iran’s missile programme is strictly off the negotiating table.
Iran Nuclear Talks Resume Hopes in Oman
During indirect negotiations in Muscat, Oman, Araghchi described the discussions as “a good start” and said both sides exchanged views in a constructive atmosphere. Despite the indirect format, he noted that there was an opportunity to briefly greet the US delegation. He added that Iran nuclear talks would continue soon to build mutual trust.
Iran Nuclear Talks Exclude Missile Programme
Araghchi made it clear that Iran’s missile programme was never negotiable and would not be part of the nuclear negotiations.
“This is a defence issue,” he said, stressing that Tehran’s missile capabilities are essential to national security.
Washington has repeatedly tried to bring Iran’s ballistic missile programme and support for regional allies into the discussions, but Tehran has consistently rejected expanding the scope beyond the nuclear issue.
Warning to the United States Over Attacks
Araghchi issued a strong warning that Iran would retaliate if the US targeted Iranian territory:
“We will attack their (US) bases in the region if they attack ours.”
This comes amid a major US military buildup in the Middle East following Iran’s domestic unrest and the economic grievances that sparked nationwide protests.
“Also Read” Iran Open to Talks with U.S., Draws Line on Defense Capabilities
Iran Nuclear Talks Focus on Enrichment Rights
The Foreign Minister reaffirmed that nuclear enrichment is Iran’s “inalienable right”:
“We are ready to reach a reassuring agreement on enrichment. The Iranian nuclear case will only be resolved through negotiations.”
He emphasized that diplomacy is the only path to resolving Iran’s nuclear dispute.
US Response: Praise for Talks, Sanctions Continue
US President Donald Trump called the Oman talks “very good” and announced another round of negotiations next week.
However, he also signed an executive order imposing tariffs on countries still doing business with Iran, along with new sanctions targeting shipping companies and vessels involved in Iranian oil exports.
China Remains Key Trade Partner Amid Sanctions
Over a quarter of Iran’s trade is with China, with $18 billion in imports and $14.5 billion in exports in 2024, according to WTO data. China remains crucial for Iran amid US sanctions and regional tensions.
First Talks Since Collapse of Previous Negotiations
Friday’s meetings were the first since the collapse of last year’s nuclear talks, triggered by Israel’s bombing campaign against Iran and subsequent US military strikes. Araghchi warned that any new attacks would be met with retaliation against US bases in the region.
Delegations and Diplomatic Tone
The US delegation was led by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Araghchi told Iranian state TV that both sides agreed to continue negotiations in a positive atmosphere. Speaking to IRNA, he urged Washington to avoid threats and pressure so that talks can move forward.
Criticism of Israel and Regional Military Policy
On Saturday at the Al Jazeera Forum in Qatar, Araghchi criticised the “doctrine of domination,” accusing Israel of expanding its military arsenal while pressuring other regional states to disarm. He did not refer directly to the Oman talks during this speech