The first round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program was held on Saturday in Muscat, Oman. The discussions were hosted and mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, taking place at his official residence.
The U.S. delegation was led by Steve Witkoff, the special envoy for the Middle East, while Iran was represented by veteran negotiator Abbas Araghchi. According to the Wall Street Journal, the opening session served as a test of mutual willingness, with Witkoff stating that the goal was to “establish a reason for an agreement.” However, Iran quickly presented several key demands.
Among the main conditions set forth by Iran were the lifting of U.S. sanctions imposed since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, access to frozen Iranian assets, and an end to U.S. pressure on countries like China that continue to purchase Iranian oil. Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful in nature.
“This country is developing a nuclear industry for peaceful reasons,” Araghchi stated.
In return, Tehran offered to return to full compliance with the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was signed under President Barack Obama and later abandoned by President Donald Trump in 2018.
No new talks were immediately scheduled, but the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs later announced that negotiations are expected to continue next week. The ministry described the first round as being held in a “constructive atmosphere based on mutual respect.”
According to the statement, both sides exchanged their governments’ positions on the nuclear program and sanctions through Omani mediation. While Iran still refuses direct dialogue with the U.S., both delegations briefly spoke in the presence of Minister Albusaidi as the meeting concluded.
The discussions, which lasted over two and a half hours, come amid increased tensions between Washington and Tehran, particularly after Trump’s return to the White House in January. His administration has issued new threats, including possible airstrikes and tariffs, should Iran decline to reach a new nuclear agreement—sparking sharp rebukes from Tehran.
The Iranian team, including Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, arrived in Muscat earlier Saturday to take part in what has been seen as a pivotal moment in U.S.–Iran relations.
Despite the cautious optimism expressed by both sides, significant gaps remain. The U.S. is expected to push for direct talks in the near future, with Witkoff due to brief President Trump on the outcomes of this first round.
Photo: Al Jazeera
