TEHRAN: Iran has denied sending a delegation to Muscat, Oman, despite reports suggesting otherwise, fueling speculation about possible backchannel diplomacy.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi publicly rejected claims that Tehran had initiated any new round of talks, particularly with U.S. President Donald Trump.
This came amid evidence that Iranian planes had landed in Oman’s capital, with three flights, including two Airbus A321s and one Airbus A340, arriving at Muscat International Airport.
Despite these developments, Tehran’s senior officials continued to assert that there had been no new requests for negotiations or meetings, dismissing speculation about potential talks.
A senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official further told Arab publications that Iran had not pursued any diplomatic engagement with the U.S. since the collapse of the planned June 15th nuclear talks in Oman, which Iran had canceled just a day before the session, following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian facilities.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry swiftly responded to the rumors, reinforcing that there were no negotiations with Iran, and asserting that Israel’s operations would continue until their objectives were met.
The speculation surrounding Muscat’s role in potential diplomacy highlights Oman’s long-standing reputation for discreet mediation between conflicting parties in the region. However, no country has officially confirmed any ongoing discussions, leaving the situation shrouded in ambiguity.
