Iran has confirmed that “indirect talks” regarding its nuclear program have been held with US officials, with additional discussions scheduled for next week. The negotiations took place in Muscat, Oman, with mediators from the host country facilitating discussions between Iranian and American representatives who were seated in separate rooms, according to Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry.
Following the talks, Omani and Iranian officials announced that both parties had agreed to continue the negotiations in the upcoming week. Oman’s foreign minister, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, expressed gratitude to Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for participating in the talks aimed at promoting global peace, security, and stability.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi (left) meets his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi. Pic: Iranian foreign ministry/AP
‘Very positive’ and ‘constructive’
According to Iranian state media, the US and Iranian officials had brief discussions in the presence of the Omani foreign minister at the conclusion of the talks, a statement echoed by Mr. Araghchi on Telegram. He described the talks as being conducted in a “constructive atmosphere based on mutual respect” and confirmed that they would continue in the following week. The White House later described the discussions in Muscat as “very positive and constructive,” announcing plans for another meeting the next Saturday.
Prior to the initial meeting, Mr. Araghchi emphasized the importance of mutual understanding in further negotiations, highlighting the need for equal participation in the talks. He expressed the intention to reach a fair and honorable agreement on equal terms. The talks were reported to focus on de-escalating regional tensions, prisoner exchanges, and possible agreements to ease sanctions in exchange for Iran controlling its nuclear program.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Trump on Monday: ‘We’re in direct talks with Iran’
‘Great danger’ if talks fail
Former US President, Donald Trump, has emphasized Tehran’s inability to acquire nuclear weapons. He stated that the talks would be direct, although Iranian officials insisted on the involvement of an intermediary. Trump warned of “great danger” for Iran if the negotiations were unsuccessful, expressing hope for a successful outcome. He insisted that Iran must not possess a nuclear weapon, reiterating the potential consequences of failed discussions.
These statements followed Trump’s previous warnings regarding possible military action against Iran in the absence of an agreement on its nuclear program. The meeting on Saturday marked the first engagement between the two countries since the start of Trump’s second term in office, during which he withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Iran has since exceeded the deal’s limits on uranium enrichment, claiming its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes while Western powers allege hidden motives.
Mr. Witkoff, who participated in the talks, had just concluded discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of US efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.