Muscat: The third round of Omani-mediated negotiations is scheduled for Saturday in Muscat, with both sides expected to engage in expert-level discussions over Iran’s nuclear program. The talks come amid cautious optimism, with Iranian officials emphasizing the need for seriousness and goodwill from the American delegation.
Araghchi, who is heading a diplomatic and technical-expert team, will be joined by deputy foreign ministers Kazem Gharibabadi and Majid Takht-Ravanchi, who are set to spearhead the technical dialogue.
Representing the United States will be President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. The technical discussions on the US side will be led by Michael Anton, the State Department’s head of policy planning.
The meeting marks the third round of negotiations, following earlier sessions held in Muscat and Rome since April 12. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed the latest developments on Friday, stating that progress hinges on “goodwill, seriousness, and realism” from the US.
Speaking earlier this week, Araghchi affirmed Iran’s commitment, stating that they will enter the negotiations seriously on Saturday, and if the other party also enters seriously, there is potential for progress.
Adding to the political weight of the dialogue, President Trump sent a letter in March to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging renewed talks and warning of possible military action should diplomacy fall short.
