Iran and the United States have confirmed holding “positive” and “constructive” discussions in Oman on Saturday, marking the first high-level engagement between Tehran and the Donald Trump administration, including his second presidential bid. Both parties have agreed to reconvene next Saturday to advance negotiations surrounding Iran’s escalating nuclear programme.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told state television the talks were held in a “productive, calm and positive atmosphere”, suggesting momentum was building for a broader diplomatic breakthrough.
“I think we are very close to a basis for negotiations and if we can conclude this basis next week, we’ll have gone a long way and will be able to start real discussions based on that,” he said.
The discussions included Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steven Witkoff, and US Ambassador to Oman, Ana Escrogima, alongside Araqchi, in what was described by the White House as a “very positive and constructive” round of talks.
A statement issued by the White House said, “These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoff’s direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome. The sides agreed to meet again next Saturday.
While no official deal has been struck, both sides indicated serious intent to reach an agreement soon.
“Iran and the US side want an agreement in the short term. We do not want talks for (the sake of) talks,” Araqchi added.
Speaking aboard Air Force One later on Saturday night, Trump said: “I think they’re going OK.”
“Nothing matters until you get it done, so I don’t like talking about it, but it’s going OK. The Iran situation is going pretty good, I think,” he added.
The surprise diplomatic overture, announced earlier in the week by Trump, comes as tensions remain high over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which have seen significant expansion following the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal.
Oman, a neutral Gulf state, has a history of mediating between Iran and the West, and previously helped broker the release of dual nationals held by Tehran.
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