Iran open to continued US talks while holding firm on red lines

• Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran hopes for a swift resumption of talks with the United States after indirect negotiations held in Muscat.
• The talks were the first since US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day war launched by 'Israel' in June.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday he hopes negotiations with the United States will resume soon, while warning that Tehran is prepared to strike US bases in the region if it comes under American attack.

Indirect talks between Washington and Tehran were held on Friday in Muscat, marking the first such negotiations since the United States carried out strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites in June during a 12-day war launched by 'Israel' against Iran.

After the talks, US President Donald Trump praised what he described as “very good” discussions, while Araghchi said the atmosphere had been “very positive.” Speaking in excerpts from an interview with Al Jazeera published on his official Telegram channel, Araghchi described the talks as “a good beginning.”

“At the moment, no specific date has been set for the second round of negotiations,” he said. “But both Washington and Tehran believe these talks should take place soon.” Trump said on Friday that the two sides would meet again “early next week.”

Indirect talks and a brief encounter

Araghchi led the Iranian delegation in Muscat, while the US team was headed by Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The Iranian foreign minister stressed that the talks were indirect, but noted that “there was an opportunity to shake hands with the American delegation.” US outlet Axios had reported, citing two sources, that direct discussions took place between Araghchi, Witkoff and Kushner.

Araghchi said that “the road to building trust is still long,” adding that Iran’s nuclear issue “can only be resolved through negotiations.”

Nuclear file and enrichment dispute

He said Iran is ready for an agreement that would provide assurances regarding uranium enrichment by reducing its level. Western countries and 'Israel' accuse Iran of seeking to build a nuclear bomb, a charge Tehran denies, insisting it has the right to civilian nuclear technology.

Before the war with 'Israel', Iran was enriching uranium to 60%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, close to weapons-grade levels. Trump has repeatedly called for a complete ban on uranium enrichment, but Araghchi reiterated that “enrichment is a non-negotiable right and must continue.”

He also said Tehran opposes transferring enriched uranium abroad, an option that has been raised in previous negotiations.

Military pressure and regional warnings

The Muscat talks followed US threats of military action against Iran, initially linked to Washington’s response to widespread protests in the country that left thousands dead.

The US-based human rights group Hrana said it documented the deaths of 6,961 people, most of them protesters, and reported the detention of 51,000 others. Iranian authorities acknowledge thousands of deaths but say most were security personnel or bystanders killed by what they describe as “terrorists” backed by the United States and Israel.

The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group to the region. Witkoff said on Saturday that he had visited the carrier, writing on social media that he, alongside Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper and Kushner, met with sailors and Marines who “keep us safe and uphold President Trump’s message of peace through strength.”

In response, Araghchi warned that Iran would target US bases in the region if an attack were launched on Iranian territory.

Missiles and regional tensions

Araghchi also reaffirmed that Iran refuses to discuss its ballistic missile program. “This is purely a defensive issue for us and is absolutely non-negotiable,” he said. While Tehran insists the talks focus solely on the nuclear file, Washington has said negotiations must also address Iran’s missile program and its support for armed groups in the region.

Media reports say Israel has pressed for both issues to be included in the talks. On Saturday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would meet Trump in Washington on Wednesday to discuss negotiations with Iran.

Netanyahu’s office said he believes any agreement must include limits on ballistic missiles and a freeze on support for Iran-aligned groups.

Criticism of 'Israel' and renewed sanctions

Speaking at an Al Jazeera forum in Qatar, Araghchi accused 'Israel' of operating under a “doctrine of hegemony,” which he said allows it to expand its military arsenal while pressuring other countries in the region to disarm.

“Israel’s expansionist project requires weakening neighboring states militarily, technologically, economically and socially,” he said.

On June 13, Israel launched an unprecedented war on Iran, striking nuclear, military and civilian sites and killing more than 1,000 people, including nuclear scientists and senior military commanders. The United States took part by striking nuclear facilities, with Trump claiming the attacks had “eliminated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though the extent of the damage remains unclear.

As part of Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign, the US State Department announced new sanctions on Iran’s oil sector following the talks, targeting 15 entities, two individuals and 14 vessels. Trump also signed an executive order, effective Saturday, imposing additional tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Iran.