The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Erakchi, announced that indirect talks between Iran and the US will begin in Oman on April 12. Erakchi shared a message on his social media account stating, “Iran and the US will come together for high-level indirect talks in Oman this Saturday. This is not only an opportunity but also a test. The ball is in the US’s court.” Following US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018, last month he sent a letter to Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calling for direct nuclear negotiations. In response to the letter, which also contained threats, Iran stated through Oman that they will not engage in direct negotiations under threat and pressure, but are only prepared for indirect talks. The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Ismail Bekayi, stated at a press conference in Tehran yesterday that they are waiting for Washington’s decision on the proposed format for indirect negotiations. Bekayi also mentioned that Oman is the prime candidate for mediation. President Trump announced that they have almost started direct talks with Iran on the nuclear program, stating, “We have a very important meeting on Saturday and we are in direct contact with them. Perhaps an agreement will be reached, which would be wonderful.” Trump also expressed his belief that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons and that if the talks are unsuccessful, it would actually be a very bad day for Iran.