TEHRAN: Iran confirmed on Monday that it has been conducting indirect negotiations with the United States (US) through Oman regarding its nuclear deal and the possibility of a prisoner swap. The Iranian nuclear program has faced scrutiny from Western powers, leading to crippling sanctions on Iran’s economy.
The 2015 nuclear deal had provided Tehran with much-needed sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program. However, the agreement was abandoned by the United States in 2018, leading to tensions between the two countries. Recent reports suggesting an imminent interim deal to replace the 2015 accord have been denied by both Washington and Tehran.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, acknowledged the ongoing diplomatic efforts through Omani officials. He stated during a press conference that messages have been exchanged with the other party through this mediator to discuss the lifting of US sanctions. Kanani emphasized that the talks were not secret and that diplomatic processes have never been halted.
Diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington have been strained since the 1979 Islamic revolution led by Iran’s first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Despite attempts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, concrete progress has yet to be achieved.
Iran’s Openness to Reaching Agreement
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, restated on Sunday that Iran has no intention of acquiring nuclear weapons. He expressed openness to reaching agreements as long as they do not alter the existing infrastructure of Iran’s nuclear industry.
In addition to the nuclear negotiations, Iran and the United States have been engaged in talks mediated by Oman regarding a potential prisoner swap. Kanani mentioned that a prisoner exchange could be arranged in the near future if Washington demonstrates the same level of seriousness as Tehran.
Several Iranian-Americans, including businessman Siamak Namazi, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison on espionage charges, are currently held in Iran. Recently, Iran released six European citizens and recovered Iranian diplomat Assadollah Assadi, who had been imprisoned in Belgium on terrorism charges.
Furthermore, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman denied accusations that Iran provided Russia with equipment to establish a drone factory. This response came after White House national security spokesman John Kirby warned that Russia was receiving materials from Iran for the construction of a drone factory on its territory.
