3rd round: US, Iran begin nuclear talks in Oman

Shafaq News/ On Saturday, Iran and the United States resumed indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, seeking to curb Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program in exchange for easing economic sanctions.

The negotiations, mediated by Oman, brought together Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, a week after a second round in Rome that both sides described as constructive.

Initially planned for a single day, the experts-level discussions could extend if needed, given the technical depth of the issues under review, according to Iranian media outlets. 

The new round of discussions follows years of escalating tensions since US President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the 2015 nuclear accord, under which Iran agreed to restrict uranium enrichment to 3.67% and limit its stockpile to 300 kilograms. After the US exit in 2018, Iran ramped up enrichment to 60% and accumulated more than 8,000 kilograms of uranium, according to official figures.

Traveling to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, Trump expressed cautious optimism, saying he preferred diplomacy but warned that military options remained on the table. "We’d much rather have a deal than the alternative.”

Sticking points remain, however, as Iran insists on retaining its uranium enrichment program, while the United States demands a full halt to enrichment activities.

Shortly after negotiations began, a large explosion rocked a port in southern Iran, injuring at least 500 people. Authorities have not provided a cause for the blast yet.