Amidst Tensions, Iranian Official Visits Oman for Nuclear Talks
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A high-ranking Iranian security official traveled to Oman on Tuesday, signaling a continued effort to find a resolution to the ongoing concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. Oman has positioned itself as a mediator between Tehran and the United States.
Ali Larijani, previously the speaker of Iran’s Parliament and now a key figure in the Supreme National Security Council, is expected to present Iran’s response to discussions held last week in Muscat. These indirect talks with the U.S. are aimed at preventing potential conflict.
According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Larijani will meet with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, who are playing central roles in facilitating communication between the two nations.
Discussions about Iran’s nuclear ambitions are viewed with great concern, particularly regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment program.
The visit occurs as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to visit Washington this week, with Iran’s activities expected to be a major topic of discussion.
The United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East, including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, to deter Iran and maintain the ability to respond if necessary. The U.S. military recently took action against an Iranian drone and assisted a U.S.-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. Transportation Department has issued a warning to American vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz, advising them to exercise caution near Iranian waters. The strait is a vital waterway for global oil transportation.
