Iran and US Engage in Confidential Nuclear Talks Through Oman

Iran continues conducting indirect nuclear talks with the United States via Oman, according to Iran's acting foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani. This follows a White House statement that the US is not ready to resume negotiations. Newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian aims to ease tensions and revive a 2015 nuclear pact.

Iran is still conducting indirect nuclear talks with the United States via Oman, Iran's Etemad newspaper reported on Thursday, quoting Iran's acting foreign minister. Ali Bagheri Kani's comments come after a White House spokesperson stated on Monday that the US is not ready to resume talks with Iran under newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

"Indirect talks are being conducted through Oman but the negotiation process is confidential and its details cannot be recounted," Bagheri Kani explained. Efforts are underway to leave "suitable grounds" for negotiations for the incoming Iranian government.

Pezeshkian, a moderate who won the run-off presidential vote last week, aims to pursue a pragmatic foreign policy and ease tensions with the six major powers involved in the stalled talks to revive the 2015 nuclear pact. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who ultimately directs foreign policy, has warned against relying on American favor.

Pezeshkian takes office amid heightened Middle East tensions, particularly over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and cross-border conflicts involving Hezbollah. In a letter to Ismail Haniyeh, leader of Hamas, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's support for Palestinians against Israel.

Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah and Sunni Muslim Hamas are part of Iran-backed factions known as the Axis of Resistance.

(With inputs from agencies.)