US and Iran discuss ‘technical elements’ of nuclear deal, prepare for fifth round of talks
The U.S. government’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had a fourth round of direct and indirect discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday, where they were discussing “technical elements” of a nuclear deal, according to a senior U.S. administration official speaking on condition of anonymity.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the latest round of “indirect talks were difficult but useful to better understand each other’s positions”.
In a post on the X platform, he added that the time and venue of the next round of negotiations would be announced by Muscat.
Afterwards, Omani Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, said the fifth round of Iran-U.S. nuclear talks will take place once both parties have consulted their leaderships.
A senior official from President Donald Trump’s administration said Sunday’s “direct and indirect” discussions had lasted more than three hours.
“We are encouraged by today’s outcome and look forward to our next meeting, which will happen in the near future,” the official said.
On Thursday, Witkoff told Breitbart News that Washington’s red line is: “No enrichment. That means dismantlement, no weaponization,” requiring the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
Reacting to Witkoff’s comments, Araqchi said on Sunday Iran would not compromise on its nuclear rights, which include uranium enrichment.
