More serious: Iran notes shift in US nuclear talks

Shafaq News/ Recent nuclear discussions
with the United States marked a significant shift in tone, Iranian Foreign
Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Sunday.

In an interview with Iranian state
television, Araghchi characterized the latest indirect talks—held in Muscat and
facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi—as a step beyond
rhetoric. “We witnessed genuine progress in mutual understanding,” he noted,
adding that another round of dialogue is likely to take place next week.

Despite what he described as a “more
serious” diplomatic atmosphere, Araghchi stressed that Iran’s enrichment
program remains “non-negotiable.”

The Muscat meeting marked the fourth round
of indirect discussions between Washington and Tehran. Lasting three hours, it
was reportedly among the “most contentious yet,” with US negotiators pressing
for a complete suspension of enrichment activities and dismantlement of key
nuclear facilities—conditions Iran has consistently rejected as “infringements
on its sovereignty.”

Iran insists its nuclear program is
exclusively civilian and operates within the framework of the Non-Proliferation
Treaty. US officials, however, remain unconvinced. In a recent interview, Special
Envoy Steve Witkoff called the dismantling of enrichment sites “essential” for
any future agreement. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has reiterated threats
of military action should diplomacy fail.