In statements to Al Jazeera, the official expressed that talks between Iran and the United States are ongoing and that several countries in the region are working to ensure their success.

Larijani revealed that he recently conveyed a message to Washington through the Omani Foreign Minister, Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, although he specified that they have not yet received an official response.

“The United States can establish its interests in the negotiations independently of those of Israel, and Iran is open to cooperating in them,” he stated.

He also considered it unlikely that Washington would seek a new armed confrontation, although he warned that any military action against his country would be met with a response.

The Iranian leader maintained that Tehran is not seeking war, but is prepared to defend itself. In his view, Israel is trying to sabotage the negotiations and is playing a destabilizing role in the region.

On February 6, Oman hosted a new round of nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, following the suspension of talks after Israeli and US attacks on Iran in June 2015. US media reported on preparations for a second round of indirect talks, scheduled for the coming days in Geneva, Switzerland.

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