Iran halts indirect talks with US amid Middle East crisis
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a programme at Oil Cultural Centre during his visit in Basra, Iraq on September 12, 2024. (AA Photo)
Iran announced on Monday that it currently sees “no grounds” for continuing its indirect talks with the United States, mediated by Oman, citing heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the talks have been halted due to the “specific conditions of the region,” referring to the ongoing conflict between Israel and militant groups supported by Tehran.
Indirect dialogue stopped due to regional tensions
Iran had engaged in indirect negotiations with the U.S. via Oman earlier in the year, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations. However, the process has now been paused.
“For the time being, the Muscat process is stopped because of the special situation in the region,” Araghchi told reporters in Muscat, Oman.
He added that no further talks will take place until the current crisis is resolved.
Rising conflict between Iran and Israel
The suspension of talks follows a recent escalation in violence. On Oct. 1, Iran fired 200 missiles at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Tehran-aligned militant leaders and an Iranian Revolutionary Guard general.
Israel has vowed to retaliate, increasing the likelihood of further military confrontation.
Oman’s role in US-Iran mediation
Oman has historically played a key role as a mediator between Iran and the United States, including facilitating the secret talks that led to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Despite this history of dialogue, the current crisis has stymied efforts to resume discussions, as tensions continue to rise in the region.
