US President Donald Trump announced that talks with Iran will continue early next week following a negotiating round held in Oman.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described the talks with Iran as “very good” and said Tehran appeared eager to reach an agreement.
The statements come amid heightened regional tensions and shortly after Washington imposed new sanctions on Iran’s oil sector.
Trump Comments After Oman Negotiations
Trump said the United States had held “very good talks regarding Iran” and confirmed that further meetings would take place early next week.
The Oman round marked the first talks since US strikes in June targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities during the twelve day war launched by Israel against Iran.
Iranian Position and Negotiating Atmosphere
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also described the atmosphere as very positive, confirming that both sides agreed to continue negotiations.
Araghchi stressed that discussions are strictly limited to the nuclear file, rejecting negotiations on other issues raised by Washington.
Disputes Over Negotiation Scope
While Tehran insists talks remain confined to the nuclear program, the United States says negotiations must also address Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for armed groups in the region.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the US delegation would seek “zero nuclear capabilities” for Iran, warning that President Trump retains non diplomatic options.
Oman’s Mediation Role
Iranian state television said the talks were conducted indirectly, while the Omani Foreign Ministry released photos showing separate meetings with each delegation.
However, the US outlet Axios reported that direct discussions took place in Muscat between Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi said his country mediated “very serious discussions” that helped clarify positions and identify possible areas of progress.
New US Sanctions and Regional Tensions
Shortly after the talks concluded, Washington announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector, including 15 entities, two individuals, and 14 vessels.
The negotiations are taking place as the United States reinforces its military presence in the Middle East, deploying the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, while Iran has warned it would target US bases if attacked.
International Reactions
China said it supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights, while opposing what it described as unilateral pressure.
Qatar expressed hope that the negotiations would lead to a comprehensive agreement that enhances regional stability.
France urged Iran to halt actions it says destabilize the region and called for significant concessions in talks with Washington.
Conclusion:
Despite positive language from both sides, major differences remain over the scope and conditions of the talks with Iran. The outcome of the next round will depend on whether Washington and Tehran can narrow these gaps and avoid further escalation.
