Iran has stated that the United States is pushing for a nuclear agreement “as soon as possible” after high-level discussions between the two nations were held on Saturday — a rare diplomatic engagement following decades of strained relations.
Despite more than 40 years without formal diplomatic ties, both countries are exploring the possibility of a new nuclear deal after the 2018 withdrawal by then-President Donald Trump from the previous agreement.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a central figure in the 2015 nuclear deal, led the Iranian delegation, while the U.S. side was headed by Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy and a real estate executive. The talks marked the most senior-level engagement between Tehran and Washington since the collapse of the earlier accord.
Although the meeting was primarily indirect, Araghchi and Witkoff briefly met face-to-face in Muscat, where the Omani foreign minister served as the go-between.
“The American delegation emphasized that a mutually beneficial agreement should be finalized swiftly. However, achieving such an outcome won’t be easy and will require serious commitment from both sides,” Araghchi told Iranian state television.
He expressed optimism, stating that the parties came close to forming a framework for future negotiations. “Neither side wants empty or prolonged discussions. We’re not here to waste time,” he added.
The U.S. administration described the talks as “very positive and constructive,” noting that Witkoff’s brief direct communication represented progress toward a deal.
When asked about the negotiations, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “I think they’re going OK. Nothing matters until you get it done.”
Iran confirmed that the discussions were held in separate rooms, with messages exchanged via the Omani foreign minister. However, both parties did speak directly for a few minutes. The Iranian foreign ministry described the environment as “constructive and mutually respectful,” while Oman’s foreign minister called the setting “friendly.”
The location for the discussions was a luxury hotel in Muscat, the same venue used during the 2015 agreement brokered under former President Barack Obama.
In an earlier interview with The Wall Street Journal, Witkoff stated that the U.S. initially expects Iran to dismantle its nuclear program entirely — a demand viewed as unlikely to be accepted by Tehran. However, he also signaled potential flexibility: “That doesn’t mean we won’t explore compromises where possible,” he said, adding that the U.S. red line remains clear — “no weaponization of nuclear capability.”
The surprise announcement of the Muscat talks came earlier in the week during Trump’s appearance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Just before the talks began, Trump remarked, “I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country. But they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
Ali Shamkhani, a top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reiterated Tehran’s desire for “a real and fair agreement.”
The latest round of dialogue follows heightened tensions and repeated military threats from both the U.S. and Israel. Trump, when asked what would happen if diplomacy fails, said bluntly, “If it requires military, we’re going to have military.”
