Iranian Foreign Minister launches book on negotiation skills in Muscat before talks with US

Abbas Araghchi explores nature of political bargaining and skills of the people who do it

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi (L) receives a book gift from Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R), during the launching of his book 'The Power of Negotiation', during the Muscat International Fair on the sidelines of his attendance at the third round of indirect talk between Iran and the US, in Muscat, Oman, 25 April 2025. Iran and US will hold the third round of talks in Muscat on 26 April 2025. EPA / ALI HAIDERShow less

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signed copies of his new book, The Power of Negotiation, in Muscat on Friday, a day before his country's nuclear talks with the US resumed.

The event was attended by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi, who received a copy of The Power of Negotiation from the author, the Oman News Agency reported.

The book explores the nature of negotiations, types of political negotiation, traits of the negotiator personality plus skills and requirements of getting the job done, publicists said.

Born in 1962, Mr Araghchi has held several diplomatic posts, including ambassador to Finland and Japan, and served as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator during the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) talks.

He was appointed Foreign Minister in 2024 under President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Iran's diplomats have for generations prided themselves on their negotiation skills, often quoting their success in securing the 2015 nuclear deal.

The JCPOA negotiations, which involved the US, Europe, Russia and China, were held to be a major diplomatic achievement for Tehran before President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018.

Mr Araghchi's appearance at the Muscat International Book Fair came as Iran and the US, represented by Mr Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, prepared for a round of expert-level talks. Negotiators are aiming to establish a framework to limit Iran’s nuclear activities while easing sanctions.