Delegations from Iran and the United States are set to reconvene this week after concluding “productive” nuclear discussions yesterday, marking the first direct engagement between a representative of the Trump administration and an Iranian official.
The discussions took place in Oman against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s confrontational statements regarding Tehran, amid rising concerns about escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
Trump has threatened Iran with potential military action unless it agrees to a new nuclear agreement, giving Tehran a two-month timeframe to negotiate a deal that would significantly reduce its nuclear capabilities or eliminate its program entirely.
Up until now, both parties have expressed optimism publicly.
Here’s the status following yesterday’s negotiations:
US perspective: The White House portrayed the talks as a positive development, highlighting that “direct communication” took place between Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with Omani mediators facilitating the discussions, which were described as “very positive and constructive.”
Iran’s perspective: Araghchi echoed the sentiment, labeling the conversations as “constructive” and stating to state media that the initial discussions “got very close” to establishing a negotiation framework.
“The atmosphere in today’s meeting was such that it ensured continuity and progress,” Araghchi told the state broadcaster IRIB. He mentioned a brief, cordial exchange with Witkoff as a pleasant formality.
Future meetings: US and Iranian officials have indicated plans to reconvene on Saturday to continue discussions, with expectations that this meeting will be held in Europe, according to a source familiar with the arrangements.
Context on the timeline: A source close to the discussions informed UJ that the Trump administration is keen to expedite progress, with Witkoff aiming to facilitate a political decision that can advance a deal without getting bogged down in intricate technicalities that could delay negotiations.
