Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Saturday, just days before US President Donald Trump embarks on a regional tour that includes stops in the two Gulf nations.
In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Araghchi will first travel to Riyadh for high-level meetings with senior Saudi officials, followed by a visit to Doha to attend the Arab-Iranian Dialogue Conference.
The spokesperson of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar next week on Sat. to hold talks with high-ranking officials of the two states. pic.twitter.com/BW9n5CGjjm
— Mehr News Agency (@MehrnewsCom) May 9, 2025
New Round of US-Iran Talks Expected in Oman
The visit comes as indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States—mediated by Oman—are scheduled to resume on Sunday in Muscat, according to US outlet Axios.
Araghchi will lead the Iranian delegation, while White House special envoy Steve Witkoff will head the US team. The talks unfold amid persistent tensions between Tehran and Washington and growing strategic disagreements between the US and the Israeli occupation over how to address Iran’s role in the region.
Axios also reported that Trump held a closed-door meeting at the White House on Thursday with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two reportedly discussed concerns over Trump’s diplomatic approach toward Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responds to the “Very Scary Satellite Images,” allegedly showing a third Iranian nuclear site, calling the allegations unfounded efforts to sway public opinion before the resumption of the US-Iran nuclear talks. pic.twitter.com/626QnlZirf
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) May 9, 2025
Sources familiar with the meeting said Trump emphasized his preference for reaching an agreement with Tehran through negotiation, rejecting military escalation—an approach at odds with Netanyahu’s push for military preparedness.
Oman, which has played a quiet but crucial mediating role between Washington and Tehran, recently announced the postponement of a fourth round of talks due to “logistical reasons.”
Later on Thursday, Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi says fourth round of indirect talks with the US will be held Sunday, May 11, 2025.
Source: Al-Manar Website
