UAE praises Oman role in US and Iran negotiations

The United Arab Emirates welcomed the talks between the United States and Iran in Oman, affirming that this positive development reflects ongoing efforts to advance dialogue and promote de-escalation.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman to foster an environment conducive to dialogue, commending its hosting of the talks as a step that reflects the Sultanate’s constructive role in advancing mutual understanding at the regional and international levels, and in promoting regional security and stability.

The UAE reiterated its belief that strengthening dialogue and de-escalation, upholding international law, and respecting the sovereignty of states constitute the most effective framework for addressing current crises, underscoring its steadfast commitment to resolving differences through diplomatic means.

Furthermore, the UAE expressed its hope that these consultations will yield positive outcomes that contribute to de-escalation, strengthen regional security and stability, and support regional and international peace.

Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister said on Saturday that a fresh round of talks with Washington would take place “soon,” while insisting that enrichment was Tehran’s “inalienable right” and that building trust would take time.

Abbas Araghchi said the first round of talks in Oman on Friday had been a “good start.”

He added that nuclear “enrichment is our inalienable right and must continue. Even with bombing they could not destroy our capabilities,” according to excerpts of an interview with the Al Jazeera network, published in Persian on his official Telegram channel.

“We are ready to reach a reassuring agreement on enrichment,” he added during the interview, which was later released in parts by Al Jazeera with Arabic dubbing.

He said, however, that “Iran’s sovereign position is opposition to transferring uranium abroad.”

“The Iranian nuclear case will only be resolved through negotiations,” he added.

Araghchi’s remarks came a day after renewed nuclear talks in Muscat with Washington, which has deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East following Iran’s deadly response to anti-government protests.

Friday’s negotiations were the first since nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States collapsed last year following Israel’s unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran.

During the war US warplanes bombed Iranian nuclear sites.

Araghchi called Friday’s talks “a good start”, but insisted that “there is a long way to go to build trust”.

He warned that Iran “will attack their (US) bases in the region” if Washington targets Iranian territory.

He said the discussions in Muscat were “indirect”, via Omani mediation, but said that there was “an opportunity” for a handshake with the US delegation.

The two sides had agreed to hold another round of talks “soon,” but the date has yet to be determined, Araghchi said.

“Changing the location of negotiations with Washington in the second round is possible,” he added.

He said Iran’s missile programme was “never negotiable” because it relates to a “defence issue.”

Tehran has repeatedly rejected expanding the scope of the negotiations beyond the nuclear issue.

US President Donald Trump on Friday called the talks “very good”, and pledged another round of negotiations next week.

Despite this, he signed an executive order effective from Saturday that called for the “imposition of tariffs” on countries still doing business with Iran.

The United States also announced new sanctions against numerous shipping entities and vessels, aimed at curbing Iran’s oil exports.

Separately, France’s foreign minister said Friday that Iran-backed groups in the Middle East should exercise the “greatest restraint” if there is regional escalation between Iran and the United States to avoid destabilizing the region.

There have been concerns in the region that if the United States attacks Iran, Iran-backed groups in Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon could join the war, worsening the situation.

Agencies