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, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said. According to the ministry's statement, the discussions — led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff — took place in a "constructive atmosphere based on mutual respect." The talks focused on Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of what Iran described as "unlawful sanctions." Both parties exchanged views on their respective governments' positions, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi mediating the dialogue. The statement added that the heads of both delegations briefly spoke face-to-face in Albusaidi's presence following more than two and a half hours of indirect discussions. Albusaidi later posted on X, formerly Twitter: "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 and mediated to begin a process of dialogue and negotiations with the shared aim of concluding a fair and binding agreement." He praised the cordial tone of the discussions, saying it created "a friendly atmosphere conducive to bridging viewpoints and ultimately achieving regional and global peace, security and stability." Araghchi was accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, while Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed the indirect nature of the talks, with both delegations seated in separate rooms and communicating through Omani intermediaries. The talks come amid renewed tensions between Tehran and Washington following the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. Trump has threatened Iran with military strikes and increased economic pressure if it does not reach an agreement on its nuclear program. Tehran has repeatedly denied accusations that it is developing nuclear weapons. — Agencies
