Why it matters:
Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks set clear boundaries for Iran’s diplomatic track with the U.S., especially as Muscat once again hosts backchannel negotiations.
The big picture:
Indirect U.S.-Iran negotiations started in Muscat on Saturday and are expected to be conducted on April 19 in Muscat.
What he's saying:
Speaking to senior officials from Iran’s three branches of power, Ayatollah Khamenei made it clear that:
“Oman talks are one of dozens of missions of the Foreign Ministry. Don’t tie national issues to them.”
“We are not overly optimistic or pessimistic... but we are very distrustful of the other side.”
“We are optimistic about our capabilities.”
“During the JCPOA period, we made the country's progress contingent on negotiations—we tied everything to the progress of negotiations. When investors see that the country’s future depends on negotiations, they don’t invest.”
Go deeper:
Leader: Indirect Oman talks ‘good’ in early stages but lack of trust 'remains' about other side
Mojtaba Darabi
