Iran, US begin talks on nuclear program, sanctions relief in Muscat: Report

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who traveled to the Omani capital to pursue nuclear negotiations, held talks earlier on Friday with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

Araghchi and Busaidi discussed the process and framework of the Iran–US negotiations.

Referring to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s approach of using diplomacy to secure national interests, Araghchi underlined Tehran’s full readiness to defend the country’s sovereignty and national security against any excessive demands or adventurism.

He also expressed appreciation for Oman's hosting and facilitating the talks.

The Omani foreign minister, for his part, praised the Islamic Republic of Iran’s “good faith, sense of responsibility and seriousness” regarding diplomatic processes.

Pointing to the determination of regional countries to prevent any escalation of tensions, he voiced hope that this round of negotiations, conducted in good faith and with prudence by all sides, would pave the way for a “lasting” understanding between Iran and the United States.

During the meeting, the viewpoints and proposals of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the subjects under negotiation, as well as Tehran’s demands and considerations, were explained.

Araghchi arrived in Muscat early Friday heading a delegation that includes Deputy Foreign Ministers Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Hamid Qanbari, along with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei.

On the US side, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is leading the delegation, accompanied by Jared Kushner, adviser and son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

Earlier, Baghaei wrote in a post on X that the diplomatic engagement is being conducted “with strength and with the objective of achieving a fair, mutually satisfactory and dignified agreement.”

The talks are taking place amid heightened tensions in West Asia, as a US military build-up and threats against Iran have raised concerns about regional security.

According to Iranian media reports, the negotiations are focused exclusively on Iran’s peaceful nuclear energy program and the lifting of sanctions. Issues such as Iran’s missile capabilities are not part of the agenda, as Tehran has repeatedly rejected them as illegitimate conditions.

Iranian officials have stressed that meaningful progress requires an atmosphere free from threats and illogical demands. Previous US calls for a complete halt to uranium enrichment and restrictions on Iran’s missile program were firmly rejected by Tehran.