The United States and Iran began negotiations in Oman, this Friday (6). The talks come after weeks of rising tension and fears of an attack by US forces.
The White House said on Thursday (5) that President Donald Trump prefers to resolve issues diplomatically and that he would receive a report from his delegates for discussions later.
“Diplomacy is always the first option when it comes to dealing with countries around the world, whether they are our allies or our adversaries,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s main envoy for foreign affairs, and Jared Kushner, the Republican’s son-in-law, will represent the US in the discussions.
In turn, the Iranian delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the negotiations will be conducted “with authority” and aim to reach a “fair, mutually satisfactory and honorable understanding” on the nuclear issue.
Understand the tension between Iran and the United States
United States President Donald Trump has returned to the matter if the country does not negotiate a new nuclear deal that “is fair to all parties.”
The American leader said he sent one, including the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and F-35 fighter jets.
Iranian officials, in turn, refuted the idea of negotiating under threat from the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks could only take place
Araghchi also warned that Iran’s Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond “immediately and powerfully” to any aggression against Iranian territory, airspace or waters.
The escalation of tension between Iran and the US this year began in the Middle Eastern country. The Iranian population was outraged by the rampant inflation, taking to the streets in demonstrations against the regime.
Trump has repeatedly warned that he would “strike with full force” if Iranian authorities violently suppressed demonstrations, saying the country was “ready and armed.”
During the protests, an internet blockade was imposed in the country and according to human rights groups.
Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said any attack by the United States would be considered the “start of a war.”
