Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Tuesday that Iran and the United States will meet in Oman on Saturday, but emphasized these will be "indirect" though "high-level" talks, contradicting US President Donald Trump's assertions about direct negotiations.
"Iran and the United States will meet in Oman on Saturday for indirect high-level talks," Araghchi wrote on his X account. "This is as much an opportunity as it is a test. The ball is in America's court."
During his visit to Algeria, Araghchi told the Algerian news agency that "Iran and the US are expected to hold indirect high-level talks in Muscat, Oman, this coming Saturday, April 12."
The news site Iran Nuances reported that the Iranian delegation will be led by senior diplomat Abbas Araghchi himself, while the American side will be headed by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
Earlier, The New York Times reported that three Iranian officials familiar with plans for talks with the US stated that Iran's understanding of the discussions differs significantly from what President Trump described in the Oval Office. According to the Iranian sources, representatives from Tehran and Washington will meet in Oman for indirect talks, with delegations from each country sitting in separate rooms while Omani diplomats relay messages between the parties.
These officials told the Times that if the discussions progress successfully, Iran would be open to direct talks.
#Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi says that Iran and the United States will meet in Oman on Saturday for "indirect high-level talks". He said, "It is as much an opportunity as it is a test. The ball is in America's court."#Trump pic.twitter.com/mEp5Oi38Hd
— Iran Nuances (@IranNuances) April 7, 2025
Until now, based on Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's declared position, Iran has expressed opposition to direct negotiations while American sanctions remain in place.
Oman has previously been mentioned as a potential host for talks between Iran and the United States, with Muscat occasionally serving as an indirect channel between Tehran and Washington alongside the United Arab Emirates.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump stated to reporters in the Oval Office alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US is conducting direct negotiations with Iran and that "an important meeting" at "almost the highest levels" would take place on Saturday.
"I can't say that, I can only say that there will be a big meeting between us and Iran and it will take place on Saturday, at the highest level," Trump said. When asked about the possibility of diplomatic failure, he replied, "I think if the talks are not successful, Iran will be in great danger and I hate to say that. They must not have nuclear weapons. It's a simple equation, Iran must not have nuclear weapons. If the talks are not successful, I think it will be a very bad day for Iran."
Trump's remarks come against the backdrop of a significant American military buildup in the region and approximately one month after he issued Iran a temporary ultimatum to reach an agreement on the nuclear issue.
