Muscat: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi have engaged in discussions on crucial bilateral, regional, and international matters. Araghchi's visit to Muscat occurs in anticipation of a significant round of indirect negotiations with the United States.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the meeting between Araghchi and al-Busaidi involved a review of bilateral and regional issues, including the ongoing Iran-US nuclear negotiations. Araghchi highlighted Iran's commitment to using diplomacy to safeguard its national interests while remaining fully prepared to protect its sovereignty and national security from any undue demands and adventurism. He also expressed gratitude for Oman's role in facilitating these discussions.

Araghchi's delegation, which includes Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Esmaeil Baqaei, Hamid Ghanbari, and other Iranian diplomats, arrived at Muscat Airport earlier today. They are set to commence a new round of nuclear talks with the United States this morning in Muscat.

According to US officials, Steve Witkoff, the US President's Special Envoy for the Middle East, and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law and assistant, will represent the United States in the discussions. Witkoff arrived in Muscat shortly before the Iranian delegation.

This round of talks is unfolding in the context of a US military buildup in the region and various threats and accusations against Iran that jeopardize regional stability. Iran approaches these negotiations with caution, given the experience of five prior rounds that ended following a military attack by the Israeli regime and the United States on Iran's nuclear facilities. Trust remains a pivotal issue for Iran in these discussions.