U.S. and Iranian negotiators met for indirect talks on Iran’s nuclear program for the third time in Muscat, Oman on April 26. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi voiced “extreme cautiousness” about the success of the negotiations to resolve a decades-long standoff between the two countries, reported Reuters. “The negotiations are extremely serious and technical ... There are still differences, both on major issues and on details,” Araghchi told Iranian state TV. “There is seriousness and determination on both sides. ... However, our optimism about success of the talks remains extremely cautious.”
A senior U.S. administration official described the talks as positive and productive, adding that both sides agreed to meet again in Europe “soon.” “There is still much to do, but further progress was made on getting to a deal,” the official added.
Earlier Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had said talks would continue next week, with another “high-level meeting” provisionally scheduled for May 3. Araghchi said Oman would announce the venue.
The indirect talks between Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff had been preceded by technical talks at the level of experts. “The presence of experts was beneficial ... we will return to our capitals for further reviews to see how disagreements can be reduced,” Araghchi said. An Iranian official, briefed about the talks, told Reuters earlier that the expert-level negotiations were “difficult, complicated and serious.” The only aim of these talks, Araghchi said, was “to build confidence about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.”
