United States says indirect talks with Iran a 'step forward'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
12 Apr 2025 21:42
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Negotiations are expected to resume next Saturday, as confirmed by both the White House and the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

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President Donald Trump talks to reporters on board Air Force One on the way to Palm Beach International Airport, in West Palm Beach, Fla., Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP)

The White House described Saturday’s US-Iran talks in Oman as a “step forward” in relations between the two longtime adversaries, calling the discussions, which included President Donald Trump’s regional envoy, “positive and constructive.”

“These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy (Steve) Witkoff's direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome,” the White House said in a statement, noting that both sides agreed to “meet again next Saturday.”

Similarly, 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.

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.