Iran–US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Conclude with Signs of Progress

Al Manar

11-05-2025

The fourth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States concluded in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to revive nuclear talks.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described the discussions as 'difficult but useful,' saying they helped both sides better understand each other's positions and identify realistic paths to address key disputes.
He added in a post on X that Oman would coordinate and announce the details of the next round.
The fourth round of indirect Iran-U.S. negotiations is concluded; difficult but useful talks to better undetstand each other's positions and to find reasonable & realistic ways to address the differences. Next round will be coordinated and announced by Oman.
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) May 11, 2025
Baghaei reiterated Iran's firm commitment to exercising its legal and undeniable right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), affirming Iran's full readiness to continue diplomatic engagement to demonstrate the civilian nature of its nuclear program.
He also emphasized Iran's goal of lifting what he called 'illegal and inhumane sanctions' that have long impacted the Iranian people.
Earlier, Baghaei confirmed that indirect talks remain ongoing through message exchanges, mediated by Oman's foreign minister.
Direct and Indirect Channels in Play
According to Axios, senior US official Steve Witkoff engaged in both direct and indirect discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The US official expressed optimism, stating there was agreement to continue working on technical elements and that both sides are hopeful about upcoming meetings.
'We are encouraged by today's outcome and look forward to our next meeting, which will happen in the near future,' the official added.
Araghchi: Positions Closer, Talks Advancing
Speaking to Iran's Fars News Agency after the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Iran's firm stance and said this was clearly communicated to the US, with the expectation of mutual consistency.
He stressed that uranium enrichment remains a non-negotiable principle, noting that the US had accepted this reality.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said after the fourth round of talks with the US negotiating team that there was better understanding on issues, stressing again that the enrichment capability is non-negotiable. pic.twitter.com/uNiMGmdJw7
— Mehr News Agency (@MehrnewsCom) May 11, 2025
Araghchi added that the most contentious issues were discussed and that positions have drawn closer, allowing the talks to be viewed as moving forward.
He also described this fourth round as 'more serious and candid' than the previous three.