Iran’s FM Araghchi says ‘differences’ persist, U.S. calls nuclear talks ‘positive and productive

The flags of the US and Iran hang on the road leading to the Muscat International Book fair on April 25, 2025. (Photo by Haitham AL-SHUKAIRI / AFP)
| Photo Credit: AFP

Iran and the United States held in-depth negotiations in Oman over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program on Saturday (April 26, 2025), talks that likely will hinge on the Islamic Republic’s enrichment of uranium.

The talks ran for several hours in Muscat, the mountain-wrapped capital of this sultanate on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula.

A person close to Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, acknowledged that the meeting had started and later ended. The source spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door talks. Iranian state television also reported their conclusion.

Iran FM says ‘differences’ persist in nuclear talks with U.S.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that differences remained between the Iranian and U.S. sides after a third round of nuclear talks concluded in Oman.

“There are differences in both the major issues and in the details,” Mr. Araghchi told a State TV reporter in Muscat, adding that “the negotiations this time were much more serious than before”.

U.S. says talks with Iran were ‘positive and productive’

The United States on Saturday hailed its latest round of nuclear talks with Iran as “positive and productive,” and said the two sides had agreed to meet again soon in Europe, a senior administration official said.

“This latest round of direct and indirect discussions lasted over four hours. There is still much to do, but further progress was made on getting to a deal,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

“We agreed to meet again soon, in Europe, and we thank our Omani partners for facilitating these talks.”

(With inputs from AFP, AP)