Third round of Iran-US nuclear talks wraps up as Tehran signals ‘more serious’ shift

The third round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, mediated by the Omani government, concluded Saturday in Muscat.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to reporters after the talks, described this round as “more serious than before,” noting that the two sides have “gradually entered more technical details” regarding nuclear issues.

“We are now gradually moving from general topics into more specialized issues. Today, we had economic experts present, and I expect that from the next session, an expert from the Atomic Energy Organization will also join,” Araghchi said.

‘Hopeful, but extremely cautious’

He added that both sides exchanged written questions and responses several times during this round, with the Omani mediators facilitating the communications.

Further reviews will be conducted in the respective capitals before the next round of talks, Araghchi said. He expressed cautious optimism, stating that while the negotiations give hope for progress, Iran remains “hopeful, but extremely cautious.”

Addressing the scope of the negotiations, Araghchi emphasized that the discussions are solely focused on nuclear issues. “Tehran will not accept negotiating on any other issue,” he said, adding that the U.S. side has respected that boundary during the three rounds of indirect talks.

Next round of talks on May 3, Oman to decide venue

“There are serious differences between us, and some less serious,” Araghchi said. “I think our progress so far has been good. We are satisfied with the course of the negotiations. Both sides are showing seriousness.”

The Iranian and U.S. delegations will now return to their capitals for consultations before reconvening next Saturday (May 3). The venue for the next round of talks will be decided by Oman.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, in a post on X, said Saturday’s discussions “identified a shared aspiration to reach agreement based on mutual respect and enduring commitments.”

He added that “core principles, objectives, and technical concerns were all addressed,” and that talks would continue next week, with a high-level meeting provisionally scheduled for May 3.

US Iran talks today identified a shared aspiration to reach agreement based on mutual respect and enduring commitments. Core principles, objectives and technical concerns were all addressed. Talks will continue next week with a further high level meeting provisionally scheduled…

— Badr Albusaidi – بدر البوسعيدي (@badralbusaidi) April 26, 2025

The latest round followed a previous meeting held last week in Rome, which included diplomatic talks and technical, expert-level discussions.

Araghchi once again led the Iranian delegation, while U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steve Witkoff headed the American side. The first round was held in Muscat on April 12.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran if a new agreement is not reached to replace the 2015 deal brokered under the Obama administration. Trump has said that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

Iran refutes claims of ballistic missile talks

Earlier Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the third round was taking place “in a serious atmosphere, with the parties exchanging their positions and views on both areas of effective sanctions relief and confidence-building regarding the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and protecting Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy through the Omani side.”

Baghaei also rejected media reports suggesting that Iran’s ballistic missile program is part of the negotiations.