TEHRAN -- Leader if the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Tuesday played down expectations of a breakthrough in indirect nuclear talks with the U.S., a second round of which will be held in Muscat on April 19. 
“We are neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic regarding them. After all, it is a process which was decided and its first steps have been well implemented,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a meeting with officials. 
The Leader stressed that the nation’s affairs should not be dependent on the talks. He warned against repeating the same mistake made in negotiations with the U.S. and the Europeans over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018 and imposed extensive sanctions on Iran.  
The fervor shown by the administration to reach the agreement saw Iran’s progress tied to the outcome of the negotiations, which did not lead to any investment and development.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the importance of maintaining various sectors, including industry, economy, construction, culture, and major national projects fully active, saying none of them have anything to do with the Oman talks.
The Leader said the next steps in talks should be taken with precision, keeping in mind that the red lines for both Iran and the opposing parties are clearly defined.
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that while these talks may or may not yield results, Iran maintains a cautious stance. He expressed distrust toward the opposing parties but affirmed confidence in the nation’s own capabilities.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also address atrocities committed by the Zionist regime, condemning deliberate attacks on patients, journalists, ambulances, hospitals, and innocent women and children in Gaza. 
These unprecedented crimes, he said, require extraordinary cruelty, which the occupying regime possesses in full.
Ayatollah Khamenei called for a coordinated economic, political, and if necessary, operational measures by the Islamic world. 
He said while divine justice will prevail against the oppressors, governments and nations are not absolved from shouldering their heavy responsibilities.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei cited domestic investment in production as the most effective strategy to counter sanctions.