Muscat (Agencies): Fresh negotiations between Iran and the United States aimed at resolving disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program ended in Oman on Sunday, with further talks expected in the coming weeks, officials confirmed.
Despite difficult discussions, both sides acknowledged progress in understanding each other’s positions. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described the indirect talks as “useful” despite being challenging, adding that Muscat will announce the timing and location of the next round of negotiations.
A senior official from President Donald Trump’s administration stated that the direct and indirect discussions lasted over three hours, highlighting continued engagement despite deep divisions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff led the negotiations through Omani mediators, although Washington’s firm stance on Iran’s nuclear activities has led Tehran to question the effectiveness of the diplomatic approach.
On Thursday, Witkoff told Breitbart News that the US red line remains “no enrichment”, insisting on the full dismantling of Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan—a condition Tehran has strongly rejected.
Ahead of Trump’s upcoming Middle East visit, tensions remain high, particularly as the US president has renewed a “maximum pressure” campaign on Tehran, while also warning that military action remains on the table if diplomacy fails.
With both nations expressing preference for diplomacy, the next round of talks could determine whether a breakthrough is possible or if discussions falter, potentially escalating the crisis.