Iran, US conclude ‘constructive’ 1st round of indirect nuclear talks, set to resume next week
People walk along Tehran's Karim Khan Zand Avenue past a building with a landmark anti-U.S. mural with the slogan "Down with the USA" and skulls replacing the stars on the U.S. flag, Tehran, Iran on April 12, 2025. (AFP Photo)
The first round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, mediated by Oman, concluded Saturday in Muscat, with both sides agreeing to resume talks next week, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
The discussions, led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Mideast Envoy Steve Witkoff, were described as “constructive” and based on “mutual respect.”
The two delegations, seated in separate rooms, conveyed their governments’ positions through Omani mediation, focusing on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions imposed on Tehran.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi facilitated the talks and briefly brought the two heads of delegation together after over two-and-a-half hours of discussions. On his social media account, Albusaidi stated: “I am proud to announce that today in Muscat we hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff… with the shared aim of concluding a fair and binding agreement.”
Achieving regional and global peace
He emphasized that the engagement occurred in “a friendly atmosphere conducive to bridging viewpoints and ultimately achieving regional and global peace, security, and stability,” adding that Oman remains committed to supporting the dialogue process.
The renewed negotiations come amid heightened U.S.–Iran tensions, particularly after Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in January. Trump recently issued threats of intensified economic sanctions and potential military action unless Iran agrees to a new deal, prompting strong backlash from Tehran.
Although Tehran rejected direct negotiations with Washington, it agreed to Oman-brokered talks following a recent exchange of letters between the two sides. The U.S. and Israel accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies.
Araghchi was joined in Muscat by Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, signaling the importance Tehran places on the talks. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that the parties remained in separate rooms throughout the session, communicating exclusively through the Omani delegation.
The next round of indirect negotiations is scheduled to take place next week, as efforts continue to avert further escalation and revive diplomacy in the region.
Talks with Iran ‘very positive and constructive’: White House
Meanwhile, the White House said in a statement Saturday that U.S. talks with Iran in the Gulf state of Oman were “very positive and constructive.”
The statement followed talks held by U.S. presidential envoy Steven Witkoff, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Oman Ana Escrogima, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat, hosted by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.
Witkoff emphasized to Araghchi that he had instructions from President Donald Trump “to resolve our two nations’ differences through dialogue and diplomacy, if that is possible,” according to the White House.
“These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoff’s direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome,” the statement added.
