The United States and Iran have held direct talks amid prolonged tensions in the Middle East and growing hostility between the two countries. Senior officials from both sides met on Friday in Muscat, the capital of Oman, under Omani mediation.
The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US side included President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Araghchi said the talks were moving in a positive direction, calling them a constructive beginning that had opened the way for continued dialogue. However, international media reported that no agreement was reached.
According to the US television network CNN, Araghchi warned that failure of the talks could push the Middle East toward war and said dialogue was necessary to reduce that risk. He also said negotiations should not be conducted through threats or pressure.
Nuclear Program, Regional Influence, and Human Rights Concerns
The United States had proposed discussions on three issues. The first concerns Iran’s nuclear program. Last July, the US dropped powerful bombs on three major Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming Iran’s nuclear program had been completely destroyed. However, multiple reports said Iran had moved critical nuclear materials before the attacks.
The United States suspects Iran is continuing its nuclear activities and has demanded that they be halted. The second US demand relates to Iran’s support for armed groups in the Middle East and other regions.
Iran has provided weapons and financial assistance to Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Hamas in Palestine. Washington has demanded that Iran immediately end such support. The third issue concerns internal security and human rights in Iran.
Violent protests that began in late December against rising inflation reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths. Iran has accused President Trump of inciting the unrest. The United States has accused Iranian authorities of suppressing protesters and has warned of possible military action, citing concerns over government involvement in human rights violations.
Sanctions, Uranium Enrichment, and Next Steps in Diplomacy
Araghchi said Iran would not discuss any issues with the United States other than its nuclear program. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and said the remaining US demands fall outside Washington’s jurisdiction.
Despite differences, both sides have signaled interest in reviving diplomatic efforts to address the long-running nuclear dispute. A regional diplomat familiar with the talks said Iran emphasized its right to uranium enrichment. Missile capabilities were not discussed, as Iran has repeatedly said its missile program is not negotiable.
On Friday, President Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25 percent tariff on imports from any country that trades directly or indirectly with Iran. “Iran appears extremely eager to reach a deal,” Trump told reporters, signaling that another round of talks could take place soon.
Sources said Iran rejected the US demand to completely halt uranium enrichment but showed openness to discussions on enrichment levels and purity. In return, Iran has demanded the immediate lifting of sanctions, including those affecting banking and oil sectors, and the withdrawal of US military forces from areas near its borders.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said the talks were serious and that another meeting would take place after consultations in both capitals.
