Iran and the United States held “positive” and “constructive” talks in Oman on Saturday, agreeing to reconvene next week to discuss Tehran’s escalating nuclear programme. The indirect talks were mediated by Oman and aimed at addressing Iran’s growing nuclear capabilities.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the talks took place in a “productive, calm and positive atmosphere,” with both sides seeking a deal in the short term. The White House described the talks as “very positive and constructive.”
The US has threatened military action if there is no deal, while Iran has been sceptical about prospects for a agreement due to Trump’s previous threats. However, Araqchi said that his delegation had a brief encounter with its US counterpart, indicating some progress.
The talks will focus on de-escalating regional tensions, prisoner exchanges, and limited agreements to ease sanctions in exchange for controlling Iran’s nuclear programme. The issue has been a source of tension between the two countries for over two decades.
A successful outcome could help cool tensions in the region, which have seen wars in Gaza and Lebanon, missile fire between Iran and Israel, and Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. However, failure would aggravate fears of a wider conflagration across the oil-producing region.
The talks will be held again next Saturday, with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei giving Foreign Minister Araqchi “full authority” for the negotiations.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-us-start-talks-oman-under-shadow-regional-conflict-2025-04-12