Iran and US Wrap Up Third Round of Indirect Talks in Oman

The third round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States has wrapped up in Muscat, Oman, with both nations committing to ongoing discussions.

Discussions, chaired by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi, commenced on Saturday.

As in the preceding two rounds, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff spearheaded the negotiations.

Earlier in the day, technical-level discussions between Iranian and American experts were conducted in Muscat. The main objective was to outline a framework for a prospective agreement concerning Tehran’s civilian nuclear program.

Michael Anton, directing the State Department’s policy planning division, spearheaded the American delegation, whereas Iranian Deputy Foreign Ministers Kazem Gharibabadi and Majid Takht-e-Ravanchi represented Tehran’s interests. The discussions delved into the granular specifics of expectations and demands. In Muscat, the third round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, under the mediation of Oman, has begun. These technical talks involve expert teams from both countries, concentrating on nuclear concerns and the easing of sanctions.

Delegations from both sides are scheduled to return to their home capitals for continued consultations, forming part of the ongoing negotiation efforts.

The Foreign Minister of Oman announced that the next round of talks is scheduled for next Saturday.

In a statement on his X account, the Omani Foreign Minister announced that the latest discussions between Iran and the United States revealed a common goal of achieving an agreement grounded in mutual respect and lasting commitments.

Core principles, objectives, and technical concerns have all been addressed, according to a statement by Busaidi.

It has been observed that both parties have agreed to pursue ongoing negotiations, with another high-level meeting tentatively arranged for May 3.

Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, according to a spokesperson from the country’s Foreign Ministry.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, reaffirmed Tehran’s firm stance on its right to utilize nuclear energy for non-aggressive purposes amidst ongoing indirect negotiations with the United States.

In a statement released on his X account on Saturday, Baghaei described the Iran-US discussions as progressing within a “serious” environment.

He highlighted that discussions were held between the parties on the effective termination of sanctions, enhancing trust in the peaceful intent of Iran’s nuclear program, and ensuring Tehran’s entitlement to civilian nuclear energy, with Oman acting as a facilitator.

Baghaei refuted assertions from some Western media, underlining that Iran’s defense and missile capabilities were not discussed in the talks and will remain off the negotiation table.

Earlier sessions of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States took place in Muscat and Rome on April 12 and 19, with the shared objective of reaching an understanding concerning Tehran’s nuclear program.