Senior Diplomat Dismisses US Talks in Visit to Oman
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi ruled out any direct or indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington during a visit to Oman.
In a Sunday meeting with Oman’s Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf Bin Alawi in Muscat, Araqchi rejected any direct or indirect talks between Iran and the US.
During the meeting, held in the first leg of Araqchi’s tour of regional countries, the two diplomats also discussed the latest regional developments.
Emphasizing the importance of peace and security in the significant region of Persian Gulf, Araqchi warned against the destructive policies adopted by the US and some of its allies in the region.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to establish balanced and constructive relations with all Persian Gulf region’s states on the basis of mutual respect and interests,” the visiting Iranian diplomat noted.
Iran does not want increasing tensions in the region, Araqchi stressed, adding that peace and stability would be guaranteed in the region in case the sanctions are ended and all regional countries benefit from the interests of economic collaborations.
"Imposing sanctions against Iran is a failed experiment that has been tried many times before," he stated.
For his part, the Omani minister touched upon the dangerous situation in the region and the need for all sides to show self-restraint, calling for close consultations between Oman and Iran.
During his stay in Muscat, Araqchi also discussed the latest status of Tehran-Muscat ties and the ways to expand them in all areas at a separate meeting with Oman’s Deputy Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Badr Albusaidi.
Araqchi is planned to visit Kuwait and Qatar after Oman.
Iranian diplomats have stepped up diplomatic contacts with Asian governments and visits to neighboring and friendly countries in recent weeks.
The visits come against the backdrop of increased tensions between Iran and the US with Washington imposing new sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
The US has ratcheted up pressure on Iran since last year after withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
