Iran’s overseas minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday stated that the second rounds of the talks with the US, mediated by Oman, had been “a very good begin”, as officers from the 2 nations met Oman’s management individually in Muscat amid excessive tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme. “If we will associate with this optimistic path, I can say that we will attain a optimistic framework concerning the nuclear talks between Iran and the US,” Araghchi advised reporters.The Iranian overseas minister additional stated that the talks had been to proceed however consultations in capitals will decide the small print.“Our considerations had been conveyed, in addition to our pursuits and the rights that the Iranian folks have. It was conveyed in an excellent environment, and the views of the opposite facet had been additionally heard,” he added. The talks ended with either side agreeing to proceed discussions. Oman’s overseas ministry stated overseas minister Badr al-Busaidi met individually with Iranian overseas minister Abbas Araghchi and US Center East envoy Steve Witkoff, together with Jared Kushner, US president Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
Footage launched later by the state-run Oman Information Company confirmed US Navy Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command, was additionally current. His participation was uncommon and had not been seen in earlier rounds of talks.Oman had earlier hosted talks between Iran and the US in 2025. Gulf Arab nations stay involved that any army escalation may result in a wider regional battle.
The place negotiations stand
These discussions are the primary for the reason that US joined Israel’s army motion in opposition to Iran in June. Additionally they come weeks after Iranian authorities launched a crackdown on protests, which rights teams stated led to 1000’s of deaths.Iran has stated the talks will focus solely on its nuclear programme. Proper earlier than the talks on Friday, Araghchi stated Iran was totally ready to defend its sovereignty and nationwide safety in opposition to any stress. “Iran enters diplomacy with open eyes and a gradual reminiscence of the previous yr. We interact in good religion and stand agency on our rights,” he stated on X.US officers have stated they need talks to additionally tackle Iran’s missile programme and its help for regional teams. Iran has maintained that discussions ought to stay restricted to nuclear points.US secretary of state Marco Rubio stated reaching an settlement could also be tough however added, “I’m undecided you possibly can attain a cope with these guys, however we’re going to attempt to discover out.”
Iran-US tensions
Earlier talks had collapsed after Israel launched a 12-day battle in opposition to Iran in June. Throughout that battle, the US carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear services, probably damaging centrifuges used to complement uranium. Israel additionally focused Iran’s air defence programs and ballistic missile capabilities.The US has since elevated its army presence within the area, deploying the plane service USS Abraham Lincoln, different warships, and extra fighter jets. Tensions stay excessive. US forces not too long ago shot down an Iranian drone close to the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Iran additionally tried to cease a US-flagged ship within the Strait of Hormuz.
