Muscat, Oman, 12 Apr. 2025

Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced Saturday that the initial round of nuclear-related talks with the United States in Muscat had taken place in what it described as a 'constructive atmosphere' marked by 'mutual respect'.

According to the ministry, senior negotiators from both countries exchanged their respective governments’ positions on Iran’s nuclear program and the potential lifting of sanctions, using Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi as an intermediary. The talks were held indirectly, with delegations placed in separate rooms and messages passed through Al Busaidi.

The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, arrived in Muscat earlier in the day. The U.S. team was headed by Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy. While the discussions remained indirect for over two hours, both Araqchi and Witkoff briefly spoke in person at the conclusion of the session, accompanied by Al Busaidi.

These talks mark the first such engagement between the two nations in years, initiated after President Trump reportedly sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proposing negotiations. The U.S. previously exited a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran in 2018.

Iranian officials stated they were prepared to give diplomacy a 'genuine chance', contingent on Washington demonstrating seriousness and goodwill. The preliminary talks were seen as a test of the U.S. commitment to diplomatic engagement.

Before the talks, Araqchi met with Al Busaidi to review procedural arrangements and present Tehran’s key messages. He praised the longstanding Iran-Oman relationship and Muscat’s role as a responsible regional actor. Al Busaidi, in turn, affirmed the strong bilateral ties and thanked Iran for choosing Oman as host for the dialogue.

The two sides have agreed to continue negotiations next week, though no specific date was announced.

According to the Associated Press, the White House described Special Envoy Witkoff’s direct engagement as “a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.” A second round of negotiations is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, per statements from both the U.S. and Iran.

The initial talks began around 3:30 p.m. local time on the outskirts of Muscat, Oman, and lasted over two hours, concluding at approximately 5:50 p.m. A convoy believed to be transporting Witkoff later returned to Muscat, disappearing into traffic near the U.S. Embassy.

Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure absent a deal. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have increasingly warned of the possibility of pursuing a nuclear weapon, citing their stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium.

Ahead of the talks, Witkoff told The Wall Street Journal that the U.S. position "begins with dismantlement" of Iran’s nuclear program, though he acknowledged potential room for compromise.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who facilitated communication between the parties, emphasized the goal of a "fair and binding agreement" and expressed optimism about continued efforts toward regional and global peace.