Cartoon by Vincent Chevalley

Iran-US indirect nuclear talks in Oman conclude after second round with no deal

BNM: Indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme concluded in Muscat on February 6, Alef reported.

The high-stakes sessions were mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi through a shuttle-diplomacy approach, however, details of if any agreements have been made are currently unknown.

The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, accompanied by political deputy Majid Takht-Ravanchi and legal deputy Kazem Gharibabadi.

Araghchi stated that Iran entered diplomacy with "open eyes" and remains committed to securing its national interests while resisting "excessive demands."

On the American side, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and presidential adviser, represented Washington.

The talks marked the first major diplomatic encounter between the two nations since the United States strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.

The Omani Foreign Ministry released a statement following the meetings, noting that consultations focused on creating "appropriate conditions" for the resumption of technical negotiations. Muscat reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating political solutions that ensure regional stability and security.

Reports from Al Mayadeen indicated that the second phase of discussions involved the exchange of "red lines" between the two parties.

Following the conclusion of this round, the American delegation reportedly requested a third stage of talks to continue the framework development.

Iran maintains that the discussions are strictly limited to its nuclear programme and sanctions relief.

However, United States officials have indicated a desire for future frameworks to address ballistic missiles and regional militant activities, according to The Times of Israel on February 6.

Technical experts from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including economic diplomacy deputy Hamid Ghanbari, participated in the deliberations.

The Iranian team returned to their residence after the February 6 sessions to consult with Tehran on the next steps.