Iran, US agree to continue nuclear talks after Muscat meeting

Muscat – Iran and the United States have agreed to continue nuclear negotiations following talks held in Oman, with both sides describing the discussions as constructive and setting the stage for a new round early this week.

US President Donald Trump said Washington’s negotiators would meet their Iranian counterparts again soon, praising the Muscat talks as “very good”. “We had very good talks about Iran,” he said, adding that discussions would resume this week.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led Tehran’s delegation, said the negotiations took place in a “very positive atmosphere”. He confirmed that both sides agreed to continue talks after consulting their respective authorities.

Araghchi said discussions were focused exclusively on the nuclear issue and called on Washington to halt “threats” to allow the process to move forward. “Views were exchanged and our concerns and interests were expressed regarding a possible agreement,” he said, adding that the talks had “started well”.

Oman Foreign Minister H E Sayyid Badr al Busaidi said the sultanate hosted “serious talks” in Muscat as part of its mediation efforts and that the discussions helped clarify the positions of both sides while identifying areas that could form a basis for progress.

The talks drew broad regional and international support. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the resumption of dialogue and thanked Oman and regional countries for facilitating the process. He expressed hope that the talks would help reduce regional tensions and prevent a wider crisis, urging disputes to be resolved through peaceful dialogue in line with the UN Charter.

The Gulf Cooperation Council’s Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed al Budaiwi praised Oman’s role, saying it reflected the sultanate’s constructive approach to fostering dialogue and understanding. He said the GCC states support efforts to maintain regional stability and hope the consultations yield positive results.

Jordan, Egypt, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain also welcomed the Muscat talks, expressing support for diplomatic efforts to reduce escalation and reach a comprehensive agreement. Egypt reiterated that there is no military solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and called for dialogue based on good faith and mutual respect.

Several countries underlined their appreciation for Oman’s mediation and expressed hope that continued negotiations would enhance regional security and stability.