RT.com
13 Apr 2025, 07:37 GMT+10
Both sides described the high-stakes negotiations in Oman as constructive and agreed to meet again for real talks soon
Iran and the United States held their first diplomatic engagement in years on Saturday in the Omani capital of Muscat, with discussions focused on Tehran's nuclear program and the potential easing of US sanctions.
The two-and-a-half-hour talks were led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and White House Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
Although the negotiations were conducted indirectly through Omani mediation, the heads of the two delegations - Araghchi and Witkoff - briefly spoke face-to-face in the presence of Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi after the formal talks concluded.
Addressing reporters in Muscat, Araghchi described the first round of negotiations as "constructive" and held in a "calm and very respectful atmosphere."
"No inappropriate language was used, and the two sides demonstrated their commitment to advancing the talks until the achievement of a mutually favorable agreement from an equal position," the Iranian minister said.
According to Araghchi, both sides aim to outline a general framework for a future agreement in the next round of talks. He indicated that the second meeting is scheduled for April 19, although it may not take place in Muscat.
"In the next round of the talks, we will try to enter the negotiations' agenda, which will of course have a timetable alongside it," he said, expressing hope that the two sides could finalize a basis for starting "real talks" soon.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday night, President Donald Trump said the talks with Tehran "are going okay."
Meanwhile, the White House emphasized that - despite Tehran's insistence on indirect talks - Witkoff met Araghchi face-to-face, calling the direct communication "a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome."
Witkoff, a close confidant of President Trump and Washington's lead negotiator with Moscow, has also played a prominent role in regional diplomacy. Even before Trump took office, Witkoff was credited with allegedly convincing Israel to agree to a Gaza truce.
The next round of negotiations with Iran is expected to take place on April 19. While both sides have expressed cautious optimism, analysts noted that significant challenges remain. Iranian officials have publicly opposed major concessions, while President Trump has reportedly given negotiators a two-month deadline, warning of possible military action if talks fail.
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Illinois Intelligencer news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Illinois Intelligencer.
More Information(250413) -- TORONTO, April 13, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Kevin Long (bottom) of Toronto FC vies with Nicolas Romero (front) of Minnesota United...
Both sides described the high-stakes negotiations in Oman as constructive and agreed to meet again for real talks soon Iran and the...
People shop for groceries at a store in New York, the United States, on March 28, 2025. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) The Trump administration's...
U.S. exempts smartphones, computers from reciprocal tariffsThe U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced in an updated guidance...
The painting of the current US president with blood on his face and the American flag now hangs in the Grand Foyer The White House...
Washington DC [US], April 13 (ANI): US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff held talks with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat,...
LONDON, UK: The United States has pulled out of international talks in London about reducing pollution from ships. These talks are...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. government warned this week that Chinese spies are using trickery to try to hire current and former U.S....
SANTA Fe, New Mexico: More and more voters in New Mexico don't belong to any political party. Until now, they couldn't vote in primary...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration is in early talks about holding a large military parade in Washington, D.C., this summer—a...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump's choice to lead NASA, Jared Isaacman, has told lawmakers that sending astronauts back...
FRANKFORT/JACKSON: It is been about 45 years since a U.S. state last got rid of its income tax on wages and salaries. But now, Mississippi...