Iran Says Nuclear Talks Show U.S. Openness, Signals Willingness to Continue Diplomacy

DUBAI, Feb. 11 :  Iran has said recent indirect nuclear discussions with the United States helped assess Washington’s commitment to diplomacy and produced enough common ground to keep negotiations moving forward.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iranian and U.S. representatives met through Omani mediators in Muscat last week, marking a cautious step toward reviving stalled nuclear diplomacy. The meeting followed heightened regional tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump deployed a naval flotilla to the area, prompting concerns over potential military escalation.

“The Muscat meeting was not a long meeting, but it was important to evaluate the seriousness of the other side and determine how to continue this path,” Baghaei said, adding that Iran sensed sufficient understanding to proceed with diplomatic efforts.

Baghaei also confirmed that Ali Larijani, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, traveled to Oman on Tuesday as part of ongoing regional consultations, with Qatar scheduled as his next destination.

Commenting on the Israeli prime minister’s expected visit to Washington, Baghaei urged the United States to make independent decisions, warning against foreign influence that could undermine regional stability.

“We expect the U.S. to act independently of external pressures, especially Israeli pressure that disregards the interests of the region and even the United States itself,” he said.

The remarks suggest cautious optimism from Tehran as diplomatic channels reopen amid continued geopolitical tensions.