The indirect talks, mediated by Oman, are scheduled for Tuesday and follow the resumption of discussions in Muscat on February 6, months after previous negotiations collapsed.
Araghchi is expected to hold consultations with Swiss and Omani counterparts, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi, and other international officials, signalling Tehran’s intent to explore diplomatic avenues while addressing decades-long disputes over its nuclear programme.
Iran has offered to consider compromises on its stockpile of more than 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium in return for relief from crippling US sanctions.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC that Washington must demonstrate “sincerity” for a viable agreement, noting that the talks could include diluting Iran’s most enriched uranium or allowing international oversight, while stopping short of zero enrichment. “If we see the sincerity on their part, I am sure we will be on a road to have an agreement,” he said.
The renewed dialogue comes amid heightened tensions, with US President Donald Trump reportedly assuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last December that he would support Israeli strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile programme if a deal fails.
Netanyahu has also demanded that any US-Iran agreement dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and remove enriched uranium from the country, expressing scepticism about Tehran’s intentions.
Meanwhile, Tehran has emphasised the economic dimension of negotiations. Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Hamid Ghanbari told the semi-official Fars news agency that a sustainable agreement must benefit both countries, citing potential US investments in Iran’s energy, mining, and aviation sectors. “For the agreement to be viable, it is essential that the United States also benefit in areas with strong and rapid economic return potential,” he said.
Washington has positioned additional military assets, including a second aircraft carrier, to the region to prepare for a possible campaign if diplomacy fails. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed the preference for negotiation while acknowledging that achieving a deal will be difficult.