Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has dismissed reports claiming that the indirect talks between Tehran and Washington were to be held in a country other than Oman, stressing that Muscat was always the agreed venue.
Tehran – IranView24
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Baqaei said Iran appreciated the goodwill and diplomatic efforts of regional and neighboring countries, including Turkiye, that had expressed readiness to help ease tensions and support diplomacy.
“We thank the goodwill and good offices of all regional countries and neighbors,” he said, adding that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had held contacts with his counterparts in regional states, the Persian Gulf states, Pakistan, and others that had shown concern for regional peace and security.
Baqaei noted that these efforts had taken place “at the highest levels,” including contacts with Iran’s president and foreign minister, aimed at reducing tensions and paving the way for a diplomatic process.
He emphasized, however, that “the reality is that there was no arrangement to hold this meeting anywhere other than Oman.”
While several regional countries had expressed readiness to host the talks, he said Iran ultimately opted for Muscat for multiple reasons.
“Given that we are a party to the negotiations, our positive experience with Oman’s hosting, our approach that the focus of the negotiations has been and remains on the nuclear issue, and for other reasons, it was decided that the venue of the talks would be Muscat,” Baqaei said.
He added pointedly that Muscat was “the same place where the US itself dismantled the negotiating table last June.”
