Iran announced on Monday that it currently sees “no grounds” for continuing indirect talks with the United States, which had been mediated by Oman. These talks were aimed at addressing tensions in the Middle East, particularly since the outbreak of the war in Gaza. However, with the evolving situation in the region, Iran’s involvement in the conflict has led to a suspension of these negotiations.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Halts Dialogue with the U.S.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, visited Oman on Monday as part of a broader regional tour, during which he met with allies and other regional powers. Speaking to reporters in Muscat, Araghchi confirmed that the indirect talks with the U.S. had been halted due to the escalating situation in the Middle East.
“Currently, we don’t see any grounds for these talks until we can get past the current crisis,” Araghchi said. He emphasized that the main obstacle arose from Iran’s recent missile attacks on Israel, which were in defense of Tehran’s regional allies.
Missile Strikes Heighten Tensions
On October 1, Iran launched 200 missiles at Israel, claiming it was retaliation for the killing of Tehran-aligned militant leaders and a general in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Since then, tensions have been rising, with Israel vowing to retaliate, but no response has yet materialized. This has put Iran and its regional allies on high alert, bracing for possible Israeli action.
Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Conflict
During his visit to Oman, Araghchi met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi to discuss developments in Lebanon and Gaza. Both sides called for an “immediate end” to the conflict. Oman’s foreign ministry stated that the officials agreed on the importance of using diplomacy as a key tool to resolve disputes in the region.
In addition to his meetings in Oman, Araghchi held a phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which he criticized U.S. actions at the United Nations Security Council. Araghchi described the U.S. approach to the wars in Lebanon and Gaza as “a disaster.”
Regional Allies and Continued Tensions
While in Muscat, Araghchi also met with Mohammed Abdel Salam, a senior official of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis, along with Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups, form part of the so-called “axis of resistance,” a coalition of Iran-aligned armed groups that oppose Israel.
Before his stop in Oman, Araghchi visited Baghdad for talks with Iraqi officials and also held meetings in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These discussions focused on establishing a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza and exploring ways to contain the conflict.
As Iran continues to navigate the complex dynamics of the region, the suspension of talks with the U.S. further complicates efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
