Iran Hopes for Renewed Talks with the U.S. Amid Rising Tensions

Cairo, February 8: Iran’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, expressed optimism that a new round of negotiations with the United States will commence soon. He described the recent meeting as a positive start but cautioned that rebuilding trust will take time.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Zarif clarified that Tehran will not abandon its uranium enrichment program, which he deemed an inalienable right. This interview was conducted on Saturday and later shared in Persian on his Telegram channel.

According to the Xinhua news agency, he further stated that Iran is prepared for an agreement that assures the international community while safeguarding its enrichment activities.

Zarif also opposed transferring uranium abroad, asserting that the nuclear dispute can only be resolved through dialogue. During the interview, he dismissed the U.S. demand for Iran to halt its missile program, labeling missiles as a defensive matter that should not be up for negotiation.

He noted, “Although the discussions were indirect, I had the opportunity to shake hands with the American delegation.” Zarif refuted claims from U.S. reports suggesting that there was a brief direct conversation during the talks in Muscat.

Qatari media reported that after concluding discussions with U.S. special envoy Steve Biegun, Zarif traveled to Doha, where he met with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

Iran’s Chief of Staff, Abdolrahim Mousavi, adopted a more confrontational tone, warning that any attempt to impose war on Iran would escalate conflict throughout the Middle East. He stated that while Iran will not initiate war, it will respond decisively to defend its sovereignty.

Earlier, while en route to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, President Trump described the Oman talks as very positive, suggesting that Iran appears eager to reach an agreement with the U.S. Both parties are expected to meet again early next week.

Additionally, President Trump announced a 25% extra tariff on countries trading with Iran. He signed an executive order on Friday threatening additional tariffs on countries that continue to engage in trade with Iran.

The U.S. government indicated that this measure could apply to all goods imported into the U.S. from countries that buy goods or services from Iran, directly or indirectly.

The discussions in Muscat reflect a new diplomatic effort amid escalating regional tensions. In recent weeks, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East, while Iran has ramped up its preparations, raising concerns about potential conflicts among regional governments.

Meanwhile, Israel is closely monitoring the negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that he will travel to Washington later this week for discussions with Trump. The statement indicated that Netanyahu believes any agreement must include limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program and an end to its support for militant groups.

Earlier this week, prior to the Muscat meeting, Trump’s special envoy Biegun visited Israel for consultations. During this visit, PM Netanyahu remarked that Iran has repeatedly shown it cannot be trusted to uphold its commitments.

Egypt and the UAE welcomed the talks as a constructive step towards dialogue and de-escalation. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry praised Oman’s role in hosting the discussions and reaffirmed Cairo’s support for resolving nuclear issues through dialogue. The UAE’s Foreign Ministry stated that Oman’s mediation has helped create favorable conditions for negotiations, expressing hope for outcomes that enhance regional security.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud also welcomed the talks, expressing hope that they would open a diplomatic path to reduce tensions and promote stability in the region. He stated at a press conference on Friday, “This area is burdened by multiple crises, and a diplomatic solution between the U.S. and Iran is essential for achieving peace and stability.”

According to a statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, the Foreign Minister expressed hope during his meeting with Zarif in Doha that the discussions would lead to a significant agreement that strengthens stability and security throughout the region.