A senior functionary of the Islamic Republic announced during an official visit to Oman on Monday that communication with the United States has been suspended due to rising tensions with Israel.
“For the time being, the Muscat process is halted because of the special situation in the region,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters. “We do not see any basis for the talks to resume until we can overcome the current crisis.”
The minister stated while no direct confirmation of the policy change was sent to the White House, the Iran regime’s position was communicated to unnamed Western envoys.
Araghchi’s comments come amid concerns over a potential retaliation from Jerusalem following an October 1 attack on Israel, during which Tehran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at various locations across the Jewish state. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the incident “a significant mistake” and pledged to take counteractions.
Even though Washington severed diplomatic ties with the Islamic Republic following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the State Department has often relied on Oman as a channel for dialogue with the theocratic government. This engagement has been especially crucial in recent years, particularly concerning discussions about the regime’s nuclear program.
During his stay in the Persian Gulf nation, Araghchi also met with Mohammad Abdelsalam, the spokesperson for Yemen’s Houthi militia and key ally in spreading terror throughout the Middle East.
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