Iran’s top diplomat said on Friday that nuclear talks with the U.S. mediated by Oman were off to a “good start” and set to continue, in remarks that could help allay concern that failure to reach a deal might nudge the Middle East closer to war, APA reports citing Reuters.
But Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said after the talks in the Omani capital Muscat that "any dialogue requires refraining from threats and pressure. (Tehran) only discusses its nuclear issue ... We do not discuss any other issue with the U.S."
"It was a good start to the negotiations. And there is an understanding on continuing the talks. Coordination on how to proceed will be decided in the capitals," Araqchi told Iranian state TV. "If this process continues, I think we will reach a good framework for an understanding."
TALKS WERE 'VERY SERIOUS', SAYS OMAN
Mediator Badr al-Busaidi, Oman's foreign minister, said the talks had been "very serious", with results to be considered carefully in Tehran and Washington. The goal was to reconvene in due course.
The Islamic Republic's clerical leadership remains deeply worried that Trump may still carry out his threats to strike Iran after a U.S. naval buildup in seas in the region.
"The lack of trust is a huge challenge during the talks and it should be overcome," Araqchi said.
