Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Monday that indirect talks with the United States in Oman have been suspended, citing heightened tensions in the region. This decision comes amid heightened speculation of a potential Israeli retaliatory strike against Iran in response to a missile attack launched by Iran two weeks ago.
Araghchi’s remarks were reported by Iranian state media while he was in Muscat, Oman. Oman has historically served as a mediator between Iran and the US, notably playing a key role in the secret negotiations that led to the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
According to the state-run IRNA news agency, Araghchi explained the suspension of talks in Muscat, stating, “For the time being, the Muscat process is stopped because of the special situation in the region. We do not see any ground for the talks until we can pass the current crisis.”
The US State Department has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the suspension of talks.
Iran’s new President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has expressed a willingness to negotiate with the US regarding sanctions relief. However, since former President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear accord, Iran has significantly increased its uranium enrichment levels, nearing weapons-grade levels, and expanded its stockpile. Despite these developments, US intelligence agencies maintain that Iran has not actively sought to build a nuclear weapon.
Adding to the volatile regional situation, Israel has issued threats of a significant retaliatory strike against Iran in response to the recent ballistic missile attack, marking the second direct assault on Israel since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The suspension of talks highlights the fragile state of diplomacy and the escalating tensions in the region.