Iran and U.S. Engage in Intensified Third Round of Talks in Muscat: A Step Towards Diplomacy
Recent developments in the Iran nuclear negotiations have sparked interest as top Iranian and U.S. negotiators concluded a significant third round of indirect discussions in Oman. These talks, focusing on Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions, have drawn attention from various global observers.
The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, while the U.S. was represented by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The discussions were facilitated by Omani mediators, following a previous round in Rome that both parties described as “constructive.”
In addition to Araqchi, key figures included Majid Takht-e-Ravanchi, the deputy foreign minister for political affairs, and Kazem Gharibabadi, the deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, who engaged with Michael Anton, head of policy planning at the U.S. State Department, during expert-level discussions.
Progress in Negotiations
Speaking to reporters after the negotiations, Araqchi expressed satisfaction with the progress made and the pace of discussions, although he acknowledged that further examination of differences was needed. He stated, “The negotiations are proceeding well and satisfactorily, in a good atmosphere, with both sides being serious.”
Araqchi also expressed his gratitude to the Omani government and its foreign minister for creating a calm and constructive environment for the talks. He remarked, “This round of talks was much more serious than in the past, and we gradually moved into more detailed and technical discussions.”
He emphasized the importance of precision in technical discussions, noting that both sides exchanged their opinions in writing multiple times. “It was quite evident that both sides were serious about the negotiations, creating an atmosphere that gives us hope for progress,” he added.
Looking ahead, Araqchi indicated that the respective teams would return to their capitals to further evaluate the issues before the next meeting, which is tentatively scheduled for the following Saturday.
Both Iran and the U.S. had characterized the earlier rounds of negotiations as “constructive and promising,” but Araqchi expressed a sense of “cautious optimism” about the current stage of the process.
