Iran signals optimism on US nuclear talks, reaffirms India ties ahead of BRICS visit
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Iran remains engaged in backchannel talks with the United States in Oman on the nuclear issue while keeping the scope of negotiations strictly limited, Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said.
He expressed optimism about dialogue and strong support for ties with New Delhi ahead of a planned BRICS visit.
Fathali said Iran’s position in the talks is clear and focused only on nuclear weapons. He said Tehran has not walked away from negotiations and suggested that the US side had done so in the past. He added that Iran is not prepared to widen the talks to include non-nuclear issues at this stage.
The comments come amid speculation over whether the Oman talks could lead to a diplomatic breakthrough or an escalation in the Gulf. The ambassador said Iran remains committed to dialogue but only within narrowly defined parameters.
On protests inside Iran, which have drawn international attention, Fathali alleged that foreign intelligence agencies played a role in stoking unrest. He claimed there was evidence pointing to the involvement of agents linked to the United States and Israel and said arrests had been made, including alleged Mossad operatives. He said social media narratives did not reflect what he described as the ground reality.
Addressing reports that India may scale back its involvement in the Chabahar Port project, Fathali said Iran has received no official communication to that effect. He said Iran values its relationship with India and noted that Indian officials have described the port as strategic.
The ambassador also confirmed that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to visit India for the BRICS Summit. He said the visit would be an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and described BRICS as a strong framework for closer cooperation.