Iran and the US Have “Positive” Discussions in Oman and Decide to Meet Again Next Week Regarding the Nuclear Program

The US and Iran have said that the nuclear negotiations in Oman were “positive” and will resume next Saturday.

The first high-level meeting between Tehran and the Donald Trump administration, including his second presidential attempt, took place in Oman on Saturday, according to confirmation from Iran and the United States that they would be having “positive” and “constructive” talks. Negotiations on Iran’s expanding nuclear program will continue when the two sides meet again on Saturday.

Abbas Araqchi, the Iranian foreign minister, stated on state television that the negotiations took place in a “productive, calm, and positive atmosphere,” implying that support was growing for a more significant diplomatic victory.

He stated, “I believe we are very close to a basis for negotiations, and if we can conclude this basis next week, we’ll have gone a long way and will be able to start real discussions off of that.”

In what the White House called a “very positive and constructive” round of talks, Araqchi was joined by Trump’s Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff and US Ambassador to Oman Ana Escrogima.

Special Envoy Witkoff’s direct engagement today was a step forward in reaching a mutually beneficial result, according to a White House statement. Next Saturday, the parties decided to meet again.

Although there isn’t a formal agreement yet, both parties have expressed a sincere desire to do so shortly.

“The US and Iran are looking for a short-term accord. “We do not desire discussions for their own sake,” Araqchi continued.

Trump stated later Saturday night, when speaking aboard Air Force One: “I think they’re going OK.” 

I dislike discussing it, but it’s going well. After all, nothing counts until you finish it. I believe that the situation with Iran is going fairly well,” he continued.

As tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which have significantly increased since the 2015 nuclear agreement collapsed, remain high, Trump made the unexpected diplomatic approach earlier this week.

Historically, Oman, a neutral Gulf state, has acted as a mediator between Iran and the West and has assisted in the release of dual nationals whom Tehran had detained.