Amid Trump penalties, Iran’s foreign ministry suggests that nuclear discussions are “seriously” ongoing
Notwithstanding recent U.S. sanctions on Iran’s illegal oil traffic, the Iranian foreign ministry has indicated that it would participate in the forthcoming nuclear negotiations with the United States “in earnest and with candid vigilance”.
An Indian person living in the United Arab Emirates and four related businesses were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for allegedly aiding in the transportation of Iranian oil in violation of international sanctions. Iran did, however, affirm that it will go on with the planned negotiations in Oman on Saturday.
Washington’s continued aim of exerting economic pressure on Iran is reflected in the sanctions. However, with both nations agreeing to direct talks for the first time in years, the planned discussions provide a unique chance for diplomacy.
Although there is still some misunderstanding about the format—Iran first claimed that the conversations would be indirect—President Donald Trump’s announcement of the negotiations earlier this week was a big milestone.
Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry, wrote on X that diplomacy was being given “a genuine chance”. “We do not prejudge… We do not predict…” he said, underscoring Tehran’s cautious and deliberate approach to the conference. Additionally, he called on the United States to acknowledge that Iran chose to take part “despite their prevailing confrontational hoopla”.
American Sanctions Increase Pressure
Jugwinder Singh Brar, an Indian citizen living in the United Arab Emirates, and four businesses were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday for allegedly aiding in the transportation of Iranian oil. According to the U.S., Brar’s network funds Iran’s destabilising operations by running a ship that transports oil under sanctions.
“The Iranian regime depends on its network of corrupt shippers and brokers, such as Brar and his companies, to facilitate its oil sales and fund its destabilising operations,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. Even as both parties get ready for negotiations, the sanctions demonstrate the U.S. objective of applying “maximum pressure” on Iran.
Conversations in Oman
Iran and the United States are continuing their negotiations, which are set for this Saturday in Oman, in spite of the sanctions. Given that the two countries have not had diplomatic ties for years, this is a major milestone in U.S.-Iran relations. The conclusion of the negotiations may have a significant impact on how the nuclear agreement and U.S.-Iran ties develop in the future.
Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokeswoman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said, X: “This Saturday, we plan to evaluate the other side’s intentions and reach a resolution. We’ll think it over and react appropriately.”
Trump said that the United States and Iran were “poised to begin direct talks” and that Tehran would be in “great danger” if the negotiations failed.
Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary, stated, “The Iranian regime relies on its network of unscrupulous shippers and brokers like Brar and his companies to enable its oil sales and finance its destabilising activities.”
On Saturday, the two delegations will meet in Oman. U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to represent Washington, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is anticipated to head the Iranian delegation. The negotiations may result in an impasse as both parties continue to face enduring problems, or they may indicate a change towards a diplomatic breakthrough.
