Nuclear dispute: Iran’s Foreign Minister arrived in Oman for nuclear discussions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi has arrived in the Omani capital Maskat, where he and his team want to resume nuclear negotiations with the USA. Tehran still speaks of indirect negotiations with the US specialist for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, while in Washington there is talk of direct contact between the two diplomats. Araghtschi was number two of the Iranian delegation in the last nuclear negotiations so far between 2013 and 2015.

US President Donald Trump offered Iran direct negotiations on a new nuclear agreement last month – and at the same time threatened with military consequences if Tehran should not agree to a limitation of his controversial nuclear program. After day -long consultations, Tehran finally agreed – especially in order to reach the end of the sanctions predominantly imposed by the United States. The sanctions are an important reason for the currently desolate economic situation of Iran.

Iran hopes that many fundamental questions can be clarified, as Foreign Minister Araghtschi said in the Omani capital Maskat. “If there is enough will, we will decide on a schedule,” he told state television. The goal is a fair agreement at eye level.

Trump wants to prevent the development of Iranian nuclear weapon

According to both sides, the first day of the trial will be decisive for the continuation of the talks. Above all, Trump wants to prevent the development of Iranian nuclear weapons. If the agenda only focuses on the non-production of nuclear weapons, the negotiations could lead to results, according to Iran’s Vice Foreign Minister Madschid Tachte-Rawantschi, because the country does not strive for weapons for purely religious reasons.

However, experts consider this unlikely, since the negotiations inevitably also affect Iran’s Middle East Policy-in particular the anti-Israel course-and military upgrading with rockets. Both topics contain considerable potential for conflict. For Iran, the anti-Israel course is an integral part of its foreign policy. According to Tehran, the rocket program serves to defend the state area and is therefore out of the question.