Iran and the United States are set to hold a second round of negotiations on April 19, following their "indirect" talks held in a "constructive" atmosphere on Saturday in the Omani capital, Muscat, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
The two-and-a-half-hour meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff focused on Iran's nuclear issue and sanctions relief. Both sides conveyed their governments' positions through Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, the ministry said.
It also noted upon leaving the venue, the heads of the two delegations spoke briefly in the presence of the Omani foreign minister.
In an address to reporters in Muscat following the talks, Araghchi said the first round of the talks was "constructive and held in a calm and very respectful atmosphere."
The talks in Muscat followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement in early March that he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders -- via the United Arab Emirates -- proposing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.
Iran later confirmed receiving the letter and left the door open for indirect engagement.
Iran, U.S. hold "constructive" talks in Oman, set for further negotiations on April 19
Iran, U.S. hold "constructive" talks in Oman, set for further negotiations on April 19
Iran, U.S. hold "constructive" talks in Oman, set for further negotiations on April 19
China's commissioning of "five essentials for aircraft carriers" marks a a significant achievement of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s accelerated transformation and development, said Jiang Bin, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday.
The "five essentials" refer to stealth carrier-based fighters, multirole catapult-assisted carrier-based fighters, fixed-wing carrier-based early warning aircraft, fixed-wing electronic warfare aircraft, and anti-submarine helicopters.
"The package, or what media have dubbed the 'five essentials for aircraft carriers,' is a vital link in forming the systematic combat capability of aircraft carrier formations and a significant achievement in the PLA Navy’s accelerated transformation and development. Building a strong PLA Navy embodies the Chinese nation's long-cherished aspiration of striving to be a strong naval power and serves as an important guarantee for realizing national rejuvenation. In the new era, under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Military Commission and President Xi, the modernization of the PLA Navy has become increasingly solid and powerful. From the air to the sea, from coastal waters to the open ocean, the types and functions of various weapons platforms have been continuously improved, achieving leapfrog development and innovative breakthroughs, providing stronger guarantees for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests," he said.
Spokesman confirms commissioning of 'five essentials' for carriers
