Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that Tehran's goal is to achieve a "fair and honorable agreement" in indirect negotiations with the United States, currently taking place in Muscat, Oman. Speaking to reporters after meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, Araghchi emphasized that Iran is entering the talks "from a position of equality," according to Iran's Tasnim News Agency. "Our intention is to achieve a fair agreement, based on mutual respect," he said, adding that a "preliminary understanding" is possible if Washington adopts a similar approach. "If the other side has come to the table with the same mindset, then there is room for a constructive negotiating path." Araghchi praised Oman's "responsible stance" on regional issues and described Muscat's role as host of the negotiations as "a clear sign of its positive diplomatic approach." Omani Foreign Minister Busaidi welcomed Araghchi and called relations between the two countries "exceptional," expressing appreciation for Iran's decision to hold talks in Oman. According to Iran's official IRNA news agency, Araghchi began consultations with Busaidi ahead of Saturday evening's indirect negotiations with the American delegation. Busaidi is also expected to meet US lead negotiator Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East. The negotiations follow Trump's invitation in March to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for direct talks. At a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, Trump announced that "direct negotiations" would begin Saturday. The US and its allies accuse Iran of attempting to build nuclear weapons — a claim Tehran denies, insisting its nuclear program is peaceful and focused on energy production. Israeli media reported that Trump's announcement of direct talks surprised Israeli officials, who have repeatedly advocated for military action against Iran's nuclear facilities. — Agencies
