US and Iran hold indirect talks in Oman over nuclear programme

Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran took place on Friday in Muscat, Oman , mediated by the Sultanate’s Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi . Both delegations arrived separately and met individually with Omani officials.

The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi , first met at a palace outside Muscat before returning to their hotel. Later, the U.S. delegation, including Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner (son-in-law of Donald Trump), held a 90-minute meeting with Omani officials at the same palace. Journalists observed the convoys of both delegations arriving and departing, highlighting Oman’s role as host and facilitator of the talks.

According to Oman’s foreign ministry, the meetings aimed to prepare the circumstances for further diplomatic and technical negotiations . There was no public statement from either Iran or the United States on the results of today’s discussions. It is also unclear whether additional meetings are scheduled in the coming days.

The confirmed focus of the talks was Iran’s nuclear programme . Both sides have engaged in shuttle diplomacy , with Oman acting as a neutral mediator. No agreements or outcomes were announced, and the discussions appear to have concluded for today without any formal resolution.

Analysts say that “this round of talks can serve as a litmus test for seriousness” from both sides in advancing future negotiations. Oman has previously hosted similar indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Today’s talks follow a period of heightened tensions in the region, including military actions in 2025 targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and ongoing unrest within Iran. International observers, including the Kremlin , have expressed hope that these negotiations will contribute to regional stability.