Iran's President Calls Recent Nuclear Talks With US a 'Step Forward' for Progress

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Sunday that the recent nuclear talks between his country and the United States were a 'step forward' for progress.

He made these remarks in a post on X, highlighting the indirect talks held between Iranian and American delegations in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Friday.

President Pezeshkian noted that the possibility of talks increased as a result of efforts by 'friendly' governments in the West Asia region, and that dialogue is the strategy Iran chooses to resolve issues peacefully.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who led the country's delegation in Friday's talks, said while speaking at a national conference in Tehran, Iran's capital, "No one can dictate what should and should not happen in the talks."

He asserted that Iran has no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons and firmly rejected any form of bullying.

Araghchi stated, "If they use the language of force with the Iranian people, we will respond to them in the same language. However, if they speak to us using the language of respect, the response will be in the same language."

Friday's talks were held amidst rising regional tensions between Washington and Tehran, involving recent US military build-up in the Middle East and Iran's intensified preparations.

After the talks concluded, Araghchi said, "Generally, I can say that it was a good start. However, the continuation of the process depends on consultations in the capitals of both sides and their decision on how to proceed."