Breaking news… The United States rejected Iran’s request to move upcoming talks to Oman and limit the format to bilateral discussions, according to two officials familiar with the matter. This snag raises questions about the immediate future of negotiations aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal.
The U.S. administration indicated it’s prepared to meet with Iranian counterparts this week or next, provided Iran returns to the previously agreed-upon format for discussions. A U.S. official stated, “We want to reach a real agreement quickly, otherwise people will turn to other options.”
Reports in U.S. media had suggested potential nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran were slated for Oman on February 6.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented that “work is still ongoing” regarding the location of negotiations with Iran, emphasizing that any discussions should encompass both Iran’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile capabilities.
IRANIAN OFFICIAL: HE IS TRYING TO SABOTAGE THE TALKS BEFORE THEY START
An Iranian official accused certain “warmongers” aligned with Israel of attempting to undermine the talks before they even begin. Israeli journalist Barak Ravid reported that the official claimed these pro-government factions were launching a preemptive blame game.
“While Iran focuses on a fair outcome, some pro-Israeli warmongers have launched a preemptive blame game, citing unimportant issues to sabotage the talks before they start. Their aim is to halt diplomacy and prevent an agreement through predetermined process and outcome,” the Iranian official said.
IRAN: THE MEETING WILL BE IN MUSCAT ON FRIDAY
Iranian Foreign Minister Arakchi stated that a meeting is planned to be held in Muscat on Friday around 10 a.m.
