Iran and US senior negotiators held in-depth discussions on Iran’s nuclear program in Muscat, Oman on Saturday (April 26). President Trump expressed confidence in reaching a new agreement to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff conducted about 6 hours of indirect negotiations, with Oman serving as the mediator. This was the third round of talks between Araqchi and Witkoff.
A week prior, the two sides held the second round of negotiations in Rome, both finding the talks constructive.
Before the meeting between Araqchi and Witkoff on Saturday, expert-level indirect talks were also held in Muscat to outline a potential framework for a nuclear agreement.
Iran’s state television stated that “expert-level talks have entered a stage covering detailed specifics and demands from both sides… Delegations are returning to their countries for consultations.”
An Iranian official who was briefed on the meeting told Reuters that the expert-level talks were “difficult, complex, and serious,” but did not disclose further details.
Following the conclusion of the talks on Saturday, Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi signaled positively, expressing that Iran and the US share a mutual desire to reach an agreement based on mutual respect and lasting commitment.
According to Busaidi’s post, the discussions covered core principles, goals, and technical issues, with another high-level negotiation tentatively scheduled for May 3.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has been committed to resolving major global conflicts and crises, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the war in Syria, and the challenging issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran has signaled its willingness to engage with the US as its economy continues to decline and faces military strikes from Israel over the past year, seeking relief from US sanctions.
Since taking office, Trump has reinstated the “maximum pressure” policy on Iran, escalating sanctions related to Iran to cut off its sources of income and push Iran towards the negotiation table.
Trump has made it clear that he is first attempting to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran, and if diplomatic efforts fail, he will consider military action against Iran.