[Source/Observer Network Chen Sijia] On April 12 local time, the United States and Iran held indirect negotiations on the nuclear issue in Muscat, the capital of Oman. According to Agence France-Presse, US Defense Secretary Hagesi threatened on April 13 that the United States hopes to ensure through diplomatic channels that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons, but if the negotiations fail, the US military is prepared to take "deep and large-scale actions" against Iran.

Hagesi said in an interview program "Face the Nation" on CBS that the negotiations held in Oman were "productive" and a "good step forward." He claimed that US President Trump does not want to resort to military means, "but we have demonstrated the ability for long-distance, deep, and large-scale strikes."

Hagesi threatened: "I reiterate, we do not want to do this. But if necessary, we will do so to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons."

Last month, against the backdrop of increased tensions between the United States and Iran following US airstrikes in Yemen, six B-2 bombers were deployed to the Diego Garcia Air Base in the Indian Ocean. On April 9 local time, when asked whether the deployment of B-2 bombers was aimed at sending a signal to Iran, Hagesi responded: "We will let them decide for themselves. The B-2 bomber is a great asset that sends a message to everyone."

At that time, Hagesi also emphasized: "President Trump has made it clear that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. The president is focused on peacefully resolving this issue."

US Defense Secretary Hagesi Visual China

Trump previously claimed that he would consider using military means to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump told American media on the 9th that if the negotiations held in Oman failed, the United States and Israel might take military action against Iran, "If military action is needed, we will take military action. Israel will obviously play a key role in such actions."

On April 12 local time, US and Iranian officials held talks in Masqat, the capital of Oman. This is the first formal negotiation between the United States and Iran since the US government unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement in 2018. These negotiations were conducted indirectly, with US and Iranian delegations sitting in different rooms and conveying their respective views and positions through the Omani Foreign Minister Badr.

The Wall Street Journal reported that before the end of the talks, under the witness of Badr, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Wittkov had a brief face-to-face discussion for a few minutes.

Araghchi said on the 12th that there was a "productive, calm, and positive talk" between the United States and Iran, "Both sides have agreed to continue talks... possibly next Saturday (April 19). Both Iran and the United States hope to reach an agreement in the short term, and we don't just want talks for the sake of talks."

The White House also issued a statement saying that this was a "very positive and constructive" talk, "The issues involved are very complex, and envoy Wittkov's direct communication is an important step toward achieving mutual benefits. Both parties have agreed to meet again next Saturday."

Since returning to the White House, Trump has restarted the "maximum pressure" policy against Iran while claiming to seek an agreement with Iran. In early March, Trump revealed that he had sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, urging Iran to negotiate with the United States about abandoning its nuclear weapons development plan. He also threatened: "If we have to take military action, it will be a terrible thing."

Iranian President Pezeshkiyan said on March 30 that Iran had delivered a reply to the United States through Oman on March 26, excluding the possibility of direct negotiations with the United States, but indirect negotiations remained open.

Iran has consistently denied any intention of developing nuclear weapons and has repeatedly spoken out against threats from the Trump administration in recent times. Pezeshkiyan previously stated in a speech that Iran will not negotiate with the United States under duress and told Trump to "do whatever you want to do."

Omani Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghae said on April 13 that the indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States focused on nuclear issues and lifting sanctions, and Oman would continue to act as a mediator, but the location of future talks was still under consideration. Baghae emphasized that Iran had no agenda other than indirect negotiations, and direct negotiations would be unproductive under conditions of continued threats, pressure, and intimidation by the United States.

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