TEHRAN – Last week, President Trump’s claim that the US and Iran would hold an in-person meeting in Oman on April 12th turned out to be false, with many people believing it as a clumsy attempt at psychological manipulation.
Trump made the announcement during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, but Iran quickly set the record straight and made it clear that consultations would be indirect and mediated by Oman.
As Tehran announced, Saturday’s discussion in Muscat was actually held indirectly, with Iranian and American representatives taking place in separate rooms and communicated only through written messages passed by the Omani Foreign Minister.
A brief greeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragci and US Special Envoy Steve Witkov was the only direct contact. According to Araghchi, the two officials greeted each other from “diplomatic courtesy.”
Major US news such as CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Axios, Fox News and CBS have reported on indirect consultations and what is perhaps considered illicit pressure by Tehran without even mentioning Trump’s previous claims, and without showing that many view them as dishonest pressure on Iran.
Experts suggest that Trump’s misrepresentation is likely a play to project an image of leverage, control and positivity in the United States.
The second round of the lecture, set for April 19th, will also be held indirectly.