US–Iran Talks in Oman End "For Now"

Iranian and US officials met in Oman’s capital, Muscat, for indirect nuclear negotiations following weeks of heightened regional tensions. The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US side was represented by President Donald Trump’s Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, also attended the talks.

According to Iranian state television, the talks began around 11:00 a.m. local time and concluded later the same day, after which the Iranian negotiating team returned to their residence.

“For Now” Statement From Tehran

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the negotiations had ended “for now,” adding that both delegations were expected to return to their respective countries. The wording was widely interpreted as signaling a pause rather than a breakdown in talks.

Araghchi: Atmosphere Was Positive

Speaking after the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said discussions were conducted in a constructive environment.

“The atmosphere was positive,” Araghchi said. “There is an agreement to continue negotiations in general.”

He added that the two sides had exchanged views on their respective positions, which he described as an important first step after months of strained relations.

“We made a good start,” Araghchi said. “We conveyed our viewpoints, concerns and interests, as well as the rights of the Iranian people, and we listened to the other side’s perspectives. We will remain in contact on how to proceed.”

Focus Strictly on Nuclear File

Araghchi stressed that the talks with Washington were limited strictly to Iran’s nuclear program, ruling out discussions on other regional or security issues at this stage.

“If this track continues between the two sides,” he said, “it will enable us in the upcoming sessions to establish a clearer framework for negotiations.”

Deep Mistrust Remains

The Iranian foreign minister acknowledged that deep mistrust continues to pose the main obstacle to progress.

“There is currently a significant lack of trust between Iran and the United States,” Araghchi said. “This wall of mistrust must be overcome.”

He cautioned against premature conclusions but said continued dialogue could pave the way for more structured negotiations in future rounds, depending on consultations held in both capitals.

Oman’s Mediation Role

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed that Muscat had mediated what he described as “very serious talks” between Iran and the United States.

“It was useful to clarify both Iranian and American thinking and identify areas for possible progress,” Albusaidi said in a statement following the meetings.

He added that the parties aim to reconvene at a later stage, noting that the outcome of the discussions would be reviewed carefully in both Tehran and Washington.

“We aim to reconvene in due course, with the results to be considered carefully in Tehran and Washington,” Albusaidi said.

Regional and Military Attention

Qatar-based Al Jazeera reported that US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla was present in Muscat during the talks. The participation of the region’s most senior US military official was interpreted by observers as a sign of Washington’s heightened focus on the negotiations.

Oman’s Diplomatic Role

Ahead of the US-Iran talks, Araghchi also met with his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA. The meeting addressed the nuclear negotiations as well as broader bilateral and regional issues.

Next Steps Unclear

Araghchi said that while the dialogue track has resumed after months of turbulence, the next phase will depend on further consultations in Tehran and Washington.

“Negotiations will continue,” he said, “but discussions in the capitals will determine the details.”