US Official Reveals Exchange of Messages Between Washington, Tehran

Caption: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking. AAWSAT AR
Caption: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking. AAWSAT AR
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US Official Reveals Exchange of Messages Between Washington, Tehran

Caption: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking. AAWSAT AR
Caption: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking. AAWSAT AR

A US official revealed that Washington exchanged letters with Iran through channels via mediators from Gulf and other countries, confirming his country’s willingness to negotiate directly with Tehran.

Tim Lenderking, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs in the Near East Bureau at the US Department of State said Washington wanted to hold direct negotiations with Tehran but the Iranians refused and continued with their evil actions.

Speaking Wednesday at the 29th Annual Arab-US Policymakers Conference, the US official said there is a US desire, even with the current administration of Donald Trump, to hold talks with Iran.

"One of the most important issues discussed by the current US administration during this important period is Washington’s desire to preserve its good ties in the region, and preserve common interests in the Gulf and the Middle East in general."

Lenderking did not reveal the names of the countries who mediated between the US and Tehran nor the time of the letters. However, the US official hoped that Washington and Tehran could reach a deal to hold direct talks on terms that both sides agree on.



Unprecedented Participation Expected at International Mining Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday

Ali Al-Mutairi, general supervisor of the conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ali Al-Mutairi, general supervisor of the conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Unprecedented Participation Expected at International Mining Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday

Ali Al-Mutairi, general supervisor of the conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ali Al-Mutairi, general supervisor of the conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Riyadh is preparing to host the fourth edition of the International Mining Conference on Tuesday under the patronage of King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz.
This year’s event has drawn an unprecedented number of participants, with over 20,000 registrations. It will feature the attendance of global CEOs, industry leaders, and executives from related sectors, who will gather to tackle the mining sector’s key challenges and offer innovative, sustainable solutions to advance the industry’s future.
Ali Al-Mutairi, general supervisor of the conference, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the conference, running from January 14 to 16, will kick off with the fourth International Ministerial Meeting on Mining Affairs. The meeting will host senior government representatives from 85 countries, along with 50 leaders from multilateral organizations, NGOs, and business associations.
This year’s edition introduces several groundbreaking initiatives, including a “Knowledge Exchange Day,” which will serve as a platform to share the latest advancements in geology, technology, and sustainability.
Al-Mutairi also revealed that the event will host the first “Centers of Excellence and Technology Meeting,” designed to establish a regional network to develop expertise and accelerate innovation in mining.
Additionally, the second meeting of leaders from international geological survey organizations will take place, featuring prominent institutions such as the US Geological Survey, the British Geological Survey, the French Geological Survey, and the Finnish Geological Survey. This meeting aims to enhance global collaboration and leverage advanced technologies to drive sector development.
The conference is expected to see the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding between local and international stakeholders, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to establishing itself as a global mining hub. The event further supports efforts to foster international cooperation and sustainable development in this vital sector.
Over 250 prominent speakers, including senior executives and experts, will participate in this year’s conference. Their contributions will open avenues for international partnerships and help explore strategic investment opportunities in mining.
Under the theme “Achieving Impact,” the conference continues the international dialogue on the future of mining and minerals, with the aim to strengthen global cooperation to meet energy transition goals and advance modern industries.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s vision to position mining as a cornerstone of its national economy, the event will address critical topics such as exploration, technological innovation, sustainability, and value-added chains. The event highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to empower the mining sector and ensure it serves as a key pillar of economic growth and diversification.