Egypt Daily News – Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that the negotiations with Washington took place in a constructive atmosphere marked by mutual respect announced Saturday evening that the first round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States has concluded in Muscat, the capital of Oman, with both parties agreeing to resume discussions next week. The high-level talks, mediated by the Omani government, focused on Iran’s nuclear program and the potential lifting of U.S. sanctions.
According to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the initial session lasted more than two and a half hours and was held in a “constructive atmosphere marked by mutual respect.” Although the discussions were conducted indirectly through Omani mediation, a brief but notable face-to-face conversation took place between the heads of the two delegations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Whitkoff, as they departed the meeting venue, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi present.
The Iranian side confirmed that both delegations remained in separate rooms throughout the formal proceedings, with Al-Busaidi shuttling messages between them. The talks were described as positive, with Araghchi noting that the U.S. demonstrated seriousness by engaging actively and allowing for multiple exchanges of messages during the session.
These negotiations mark the first indirect engagement between Tehran and Washington in years, amid a tense regional backdrop and increasing international concern over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. While the talks were confined to nuclear issues, sources in Oman and Iran have indicated that the broader goals include reducing regional tensions, facilitating prisoner exchanges, and reaching limited agreements to ease sanctions in return for nuclear curbs.
U.S. officials have not yet issued a formal statement on the outcome of the talks. However, the Associated Press reported that a convoy believed to be carrying the American delegation left the venue shortly after the meeting ended.
In Iranian media appearances, Araghchi emphasized Tehran’s aim to reach a “fair and honorable” agreement based on mutual respect. He reiterated that both countries are currently working toward a short-term deal, not merely engaging in talks for optics.
Oman has played a key mediating role, hosting the delegations and facilitating the dialogue. Al-Busaidi confirmed that the discussions were cordial and constructive, with Muscat committed to helping bridge the gap and foster a binding agreement that could bring greater stability to the region.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei characterized the initial meeting as “important and decisive,” while also managing expectations by noting that prolonged talks were not anticipated. The initial session, he said, was a chance to test diplomatic intentions on both sides.
As the U.S. maintains the option of military escalation in the event of diplomatic failure, the negotiations are taking place under significant geopolitical pressure. The regional balance has shifted recently, with Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon weakening Iran’s allies Hamas and Hezbollah, while the Houthis in Yemen, also backed by Tehran, face ongoing American strikes.
With the groundwork now laid for continued negotiations, all eyes will be on next week’s session to see whether the momentum can lead to meaningful progress on one of the most complex diplomatic challenges in the region.
