Iran and the United States have agreed to resume nuclear talks next week, both sides announced on Saturday, aiming to resolve a decade-long standoff over Iran’s nuclear program.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi voiced cautious optimism about the negotiations. “The negotiations are extremely serious and technical… there are still differences, both on major issues and on details,” Araqchi told Iranian state TV. “There is seriousness and determination on both sides… However, our optimism about the success of the talks remains extremely cautious.”
Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff held a third round of talks in Muscat, facilitated by Omani mediators, for around six hours. This follows a second round in Rome that both sides described as constructive.
During the discussions, the two sides delved into more detailed and technical issues, often exchanging views in writing to ensure precision. “In indirect talks, technical discussions require some precision, and, therefore, positions were mainly exchanged in writing,” Araqchi explained.
A senior U.S. administration official described the talks as positive and productive, noting that further progress was made toward reaching a deal. Both sides agreed to meet again in Europe soon.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed that talks would continue next week, with another high-level meeting provisionally scheduled for May 3. The venue will be announced by Oman.
Expert-level indirect talks also took place in Muscat to design a framework for a potential nuclear deal. “The presence of experts was beneficial… we will return to our capitals for further reviews to see how disagreements can be reduced,” Araqchi said.
The primary aim of these talks is “to build confidence about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief,” according to Araqchi.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview published on Friday, expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Iran but reiterated a threat of military action if diplomacy fails. “I think we’re going to make a deal with Iran,” he said.
In July 2015, Iran signed a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with six major countries: Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States. Iran accepted restrictions on its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. However, the United States withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back some of its nuclear commitments. Efforts to revive the nuclear deal have yet to achieve substantial progress.
Oman has played a key role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States, helping to narrow differences and promote regional stability. With Omani mediation, the first round of Iran-U.S. talks was held in Muscat on April 12, followed by a second round in Rome.
