Middle East

Iran-Oman talks end as US envoy consults mediator

File photo.

A second round of talks between an Iranian delegation and Oman’s foreign minister has concluded, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported on Friday, as indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington over Iran’s nuclear program continued.

Following the talks, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was holding consultations with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, Tasnim said, underscoring Oman’s role as intermediary between the United States and Iran, which are not engaging in direct talks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier met al-Busaidi and presented Tehran’s preliminary proposal aimed at easing tensions with Washington and advancing negotiations, according to Iranian state media. Oman subsequently conveyed the proposal to the US side.

The Muscat talks follow an initial round in which both sides outlined their positions through Omani mediation. Iranian officials say the discussions are limited to the nuclear issue, while the administration of US President Donald Trump has pushed to broaden the agenda to include Iran’s regional activities and missile program, an approach Tehran has rejected.

The talks come amid weeks of heightened tensions and concerns about a possible military confrontation. Iranian officials have said their objective is to reach what they describe as a “fair, mutually satisfactory and honourable” agreement on the nuclear issue.

Separately, European leaders have urged renewed diplomacy. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said during a visit to the Middle East that concerns over Iran were “very, very high” among regional states and called on Tehran to return to negotiations with the United States and end its nuclear program.