Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated Tehran's readiness to explore indirect talks with the United States while dismissing direct negotiations as "meaningless," Iran's Foreign Ministry website reported on April 5.

The top diplomat's comments repeat earlier statements made by himself and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying that Iran was opposed to direct talks but would use an intermediary country, this time Oman, for discussions with the Americans. If the US were to meet Iranian demands, including the removal of sanctions and the release of Iran's trapped assets in the US and South Korea then Tehran may be willing to have direct discussions, bne IntelliNews has learned.  

"In principle, direct negotiations with a party that constantly threatens to use force in violation of the UN Charter and whose various officials express contradictory positions will be meaningless. However, we remain committed to diplomacy and are ready to try the path of indirect negotiations," Araghchi said during a Nowruz commemoration ceremony in Tehran.

The foreign minister later clarified that "no round of negotiations has been held so far" when speaking to reporters after a meeting with the parliamentary national security commission, Iranian Students' News Agency reported on April 6.

His comments come as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Iran to engage in discussions regarding its nuclear and missile programmes, accompanied by threats of military action should Tehran refuse.

Trump sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in early March, to which Iran responded later in the month through Oman. While the contents of these exchanges have not been officially disclosed, reports suggest Trump outlined demands and Iran indicated willingness to negotiate indirectly solely on its nuclear programme.

Araghchi noted that Iran had previously implemented various voluntary measures as part of the 2015 nuclear deal before the US unilaterally withdrew from the agreement.

"Now, drawing on that experience, we are ready to pursue a dialogue on our nuclear programme and the lifting of sanctions based on the logic of confidence-building," he added.

When asked about a US senator's comments that Trump prefers an agreement with Iran similar to the 2003 deal with Libya, Araghchi responded bluntly: "They may see that in their dreams."

The foreign minister also addressed reports of French President Emmanuel Macron holding a special meeting with key ministers and senior military and security experts regarding Iran, saying, "If they take any action in this direction, we will consider them complicit in any action taken against our country."

Axios reported on April 2 that the White House is seriously considering Iran's proposal for indirect nuclear talks. However, Trump claimed on April 4 that direct talks would be better and that Iran is willing to talk directly.