Iran rejects speculation on U.S. talks venue

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, has rejected speculation about the venue for the second round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States.

"After consultations, it was decided that Muscat (the capital of Oman) will continue to host the second round of these talks, which will be held on Saturday," Baghaei said. 

“I explained about the location of the negotiations, which is perhaps being discussed too much. I repeat that the form and method of conducting the negotiations have not changed, and these negotiations will continue to be prepared by the Government of Oman,” he stated. 

“In terms of the arrangements and the way to proceed, the esteemed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman, whom we appreciate for his professional approach in preparing and conducting these talks, will continue to host the talks as before,” he said.

“Regarding the venue, the necessary information will be provided after it is finalized and agreed upon by all three parties,” he stated.

Baghaei once again ruled out the possibility of engaging in direct negotiations with the United States, saying Washington’s continued use of pressure and threats was fundamentally incompatible with meaningful diplomacy.

The statement came after Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, said that the second round of talks between Iran and the US will take place in Europe on April 19.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, the US president’s special envoy for Middle East affairs, led the first round of indirect talks in the Omani capital of Muscat on Saturday.

Both sides described the talks as positive and constructive, with Araghchi saying that the next round is expected to take place on April 19 at the same level.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will visit ally Russia this week for talks prior to a second round of Iran-U.S negotiations.

Western powers accuse Tehran of seeking nuclear weapons, but Iran says its program is for civilian purposes only.