Third round of US-Iran nuclear talks concludes in Muscat

MUSCAT: The third round of negotiations between Iran and the United States (US) took place in Muscat, Oman, with both delegations expressing a serious commitment to advancing discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme.

The Iranian team was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi, while the US delegation was headed by Steve Witkoff. The talks, which have drawn significant international attention, occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions and complex negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

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The Israel-leaning US President Trump previously threatened military action against Iran if the current talks did not procure any meaningful results.  

In his previous term, Trump also pulled out of the Obama-coordinated Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, known more commonly as the Iran nuclear deal. The unpredictable Republican reimposed crippling sanctions on the beleaguered Iran, who furious, resumed enriching its nuclear programme.

JCPOA has aimed to curtail Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for lifting of economic sanctions. According to the relevant institutions’ accounts, Iran had been adhering to JCPOA’s provisions at the time of Trump’s withdrawal.

Following the latest round of talks, Abbas Araghchi expressed cautious optimism, stating “We hope we can make rapid progress”.

The Iranian minister acknowledged that while significant differences remained, the discussions were ‘constructive’.

Meanwhile, a US official characterised the talks as “positive and productive”, indicating a willingness from both sides to engage in dialogue despite the acrimonious relationship.

The negotiations in Muscat were facilitated by Oman, a nation recognised for its neutral stance and diplomatic mediation in regional conflicts.

Both delegations have agreed to reconvene in Europe soon, with a fourth round of talks scheduled for May 3, as announced by the Omani Foreign Minister.

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The ongoing negotiations are critical for regional stability, as Israel increased its bombardment of Gaza, where more than 50,000 people, including 15,000 children have been ruthlessly slaughtered by the occupying forces since October 2023.

Israel and Iran attacked each other in 2024 several times on a small scale, threatening to plunge the volatile region into all-out war. Israel also attacked Lebanon, killing thousands of people, including high-profile Hezbollah leaders and effectively crippling the organisation, who has vowed to defend Palestinian cause.