US-Iran talks to begin in Oman on April 12

Negotiations between the US and Iran, the first contact since US President Donald Trump’s return to office, will begin in Oman on April 12. While the Iranian side describes these talks as “indirect,” Trump suggests the talks will take place in a direct diplomacy format. Although different expressions are used between the parties on this matter, there is a common understanding that the talks will be high-level.

Trump said in a statement after hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House last night, “We are talking directly to Iran. Perhaps a deal will be made that will be wonderful. This would be really great for Iran. We will meet at the highest level on Saturday.”

Just hours after this statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed the talks in a post on his social media account, but explained the format differently: “Iran and the US will meet for high-level indirect talks in Oman on Saturday. This is as much an opportunity as it is a test. The ball is now in the US’s court.”

Araqchi, Witkoff to chair the talks

According to information in the Iranian press, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will head the Iranian delegation in the negotiations, while US Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff will head the US delegation. No official statement has yet been made regarding how many days the talks will last.

According to sources speaking to Amwaj Media, Iranian officials continue to state that the negotiations will be indirect. However, some political circles also state that the possibility of direct contact is not completely ruled out, depending on developments in Oman.

Is there a chance of success for the negotiations?

According to Trita Parsi, Vice President of the Washington-based Quincy Institute, Trump’s negotiation goal will determine the course of this process. According to Parsi, if the US side aims to completely eliminate Iran’s nuclear program with the “Libya model,” this diplomatic initiative may end before it begins. However, if Trump only aims for an audit mechanism that will prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, the talks have a chance of success.