Iran and U.S. Hold Indirect Talks on Nuclear Deal Revival in Muscat

The main focus of the meeting held in Muscat was the potential revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, Orda.kz reports, citing Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Iranian delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the U.S. was represented by Steve Witkoff, the President’s special envoy for the Middle East. The talks were conducted indirectly, with the Iranian and American delegations in separate rooms and communicating through Omani mediators.

According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, both sides exchanged their governments’ positions via Oman’s Foreign Minister.

The discussions covered issues related to Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions.

After more than two and a half hours of negotiations, the heads of the Iranian and U.S. delegations briefly spoke face-to-face in the presence of the Omani Foreign Minister as they left the venue.

A second round of talks is scheduled to take place in Oman on April 19, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reports, citing the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Washington has described the discussions as "very positive and constructive."

The U.S. State Department had previously stated that the talks would be exploratory, and a decision on continuing negotiations would follow based on the outcome.

Original Author: Oksana Matvienko