This combination of pictures created on April 09, 2025 shows US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff after a meeting with Russian officials at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 18, 2025 (L); and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaking to AFP during an interview at the Iranian consulate in Jeddah on March 7, 2025. AFP
Highlights
This rare diplomatic interaction, marking the first indirect contact between Trump administration officials and Iranian counterparts, was mediated by the Sultanate of Oman
U.S. and Iranian officials have concluded a new round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, with both sides describing the talks as constructive and respectful.
US and Iran face off in Muscat over nuclear deal
U.S. President Donald Trump, commenting on the renewed engagement, stated, “The negotiations with Iran are going well. But it doesn’t mean anything until the goal is achieved. So I don’t like to talk about it.”
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the talks in Muscat:
“I believe that the talks with Iran are going well, and nothing is more important than reaching an agreement.” pic.twitter.com/lFBvs6r0ej
– Iran’s military magazine (@iranmilitary_en) April 13, 2025
This rare diplomatic interaction, marking the first indirect contact between Trump administration officials and Iranian counterparts, was mediated by the Sultanate of Oman and hosted in the private residence of Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi.
The U.S. was represented by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, while Iran was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to a source familiar with the proceedings, the delegations were kept in separate rooms throughout the session, with Omani officials relaying messages between the two teams.
At the end of the meeting, the two sides briefly exchanged words in the hallway.
Araghchi later posted on X, describing the talks as a “constructive and promising round,” noting that discussions were conducted in “an atmosphere of mutual respect.”
Netanyahu insists on Libya-style dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program
He emphasized that Iran presented its views in a “firm yet forward-looking manner,” and confirmed that both delegations agreed to continue negotiations, with the next round scheduled for April 19, again in Oman.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that the two sides “got very close” to forming a framework for further negotiations and are committed to reaching an agreement “in the shortest time possible.”
While cautious optimism surrounds the talks, both Washington and Tehran remain mindful of the fragility and stakes of the diplomatic process.
