TEHRAN, April 11 (Alliance News): Iran has confirmed its participation in surprise nuclear talks with the United States scheduled for Saturday in Muscat, Oman, calling it a “genuine” attempt to pursue diplomacy despite ongoing pressure and sanctions from Washington.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Friday, “We are giving diplomacy a genuine chance in good faith and full vigilance. America should appreciate this decision, which was made despite their hostile rhetoric.”
The unexpected move follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement earlier this week that his administration was opening negotiations with Iran — a major policy shift amid heightened tensions over sanctions and military threats.
While Trump claimed the talks would be “direct,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who will lead Iran’s delegation, clarified they will remain “indirect.”
The US delegation will be led by special envoy Steve Witkoff. The discussions are expected to test both nations’ willingness to de-escalate tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and Western sanctions.
Trump maintained that military action remains “absolutely” possible should talks collapse, while Iran has responded cautiously. Senior Iranian official Ali Shamkhani warned that threats from Washington could lead to Iran expelling UN nuclear watchdog inspectors, a move the US called an “escalation and miscalculation.”
The upcoming talks follow a letter sent by Trump last month to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for negotiations and warning of consequences if Iran does not cooperate.
Baqaei emphasized that Iran will not prejudge the outcome of the talks, stating, “We intend to assess the intentions and seriousness of the other side on Saturday and adjust our next moves accordingly.”
