Iran, US to hold next round of indirect talks on Saturday: Araghchi
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the next meeting would be hosted by Oman, though it might be held in a different location
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Omani security personnel watch a convoy believed to be carrying US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat, Oman, Saturday, April 12, 2025 (AP)
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced that the next round of negotiations between Tehran and Washington is scheduled for next Saturday, following what he described as a "constructive" first round of indirect talks in the Omani capital of Muscat.
Speaking after the conclusion of Saturday’s session, Araghchi said that four exchanges of messages took place between the Iranian and American delegations through Omani intermediaries.
“They said their objective was to reach an agreement, but this requires will,” Araghchi stated, adding that “the American side tried to show its willingness for a fair agreement.” He noted, however, that Tehran would still need to carefully assess the discussions.
Araghchi confirmed that the next meeting would be hosted by Oman, though it might be held in a different location. “The atmosphere of today’s session indicated continuity,” he said, emphasizing that the focus in the upcoming round would shift to the negotiations’ agenda.
Parties brought closer together
“What matters is the substance—on what basis we will negotiate,” he stressed.
According to Araghchi, the latest session brought both sides closer to agreeing on the framework of the talks.
Saturday’s talks began around 3:30 p.m. local time and lasted over two hours, concluding around 5:50 p.m. The Iranian delegation was headed by Araghchi, accompanied by his deputy for political affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, deputy for international affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, and Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei. The US delegation was led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi served as chief mediator, relaying messages between the two sides, who remained in separate rooms throughout the session.
Indirect Iran-US talks
Indirect negotiations kicked off in the Omani capital, Muscat, on Saturday evening.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the talks were held at a location designated by the Omani government, with Iranian and American representatives situated in separate rooms.
An Omani source told Reuters that the talks are focused on de-escalating regional tensions, prisoner exchanges, and limited agreements to ease sanctions in exchange for controlling Iran's nuclear program.
During the opening session, Araghchi handed Oman's foreign minister Iran's official positions and reiterated Tehran's intention to reach a "fair and honorable agreement from an equal standing."
He noted that if Washington shares the same intent, the current dialogue could pave the way for a serious negotiation process. However, he stressed that the talks are, from Iran's perspective, limited solely to the nuclear issue.
While no major breakthroughs were announced, both sides agreed to continue talks next week, indicating a mutual interest in maintaining open diplomatic channels. These discussions mark the highest-level engagement between Tehran and Washington since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, when the Trump administration withdrew from the agreement.
Read more: Araghchi from Oman supports fair agreement with US from equal standing
The talks unfold against a backdrop of renewed military threats, with US President Donald Trump reportedly warning of possible action should negotiations fail. In response, Iran has hinted it may expel UN nuclear inspectors if pressured, reaffirming its demand for respect and reciprocity.
