MUSCAT, Oman — Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that the latest round of nuclear negotiations with the United States was “more serious” than previous meetings, though key differences on major issues remain.
Speaking after the third round of talks concluded Saturday evening in Muscat, the capital of Oman, Araghchi said the negotiations were cautiously hopeful but noted that significant gaps persisted.
“We are extremely cautious but hopeful about the outcome of the negotiations,” he said, according to Iranian state media. He emphasized that discussions were strictly confined to Iran’s nuclear program and that this framework had been maintained throughout all three rounds.
The latest session lasted about five hours and was led on the American side by Steve Witkoff, the special envoy for the Middle East appointed by President Donald Trump.
Iran’s state television reported that alongside the high-level talks, a first round of expert-level negotiations was also held in Muscat, during which the two sides discussed the “details of expectations and demands.”
Both delegations are now returning to their capitals for further consultations, with talks expected to resume in the coming weeks.
Separately, Oman’s foreign minister announced on X, that the next high-level meeting between Iran and the United States is scheduled for Saturday, May 3.
The negotiations are part of ongoing efforts to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, with international diplomats closely watching for signs of a potential breakthrough or collapse.
