Iran and the US concluded a fourth round of negotiations over the long-standing dispute of Tehran’s nuclear programme.
The talks, which were mediated by Oman and therefore held in its capital, Muscat, lasted for three hours.
As with the previous three rounds, the negotiations were mediated by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US President Donald Trump’s spcial envoy, Steve Witkoff.
A US official, who spoke to press agency AP on condition of anonymity, said the discussions were of both direct and indirect nature.
“We are encouraged by today’s outcome and look forward to our next meeting, which will happen in the near future,” the official added.
Iran claimed the talks only took place indirectly, possibly over internal political pressures within the Islamic Republic.
Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the talks were “difficult” but admitted that “there’s a better understanding now.”
“We’ve, to a large extent, moved away from general discussions and gotten into more detailed matters. Naturally, this makes the negotiations even more difficult,” Araghchi said speaking to state media on Sunday.
The talks seek to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in return for economic sanctions imposed by the US to be lifted.
Enriched uranium
In March, a United Nations’ nuclear watchdog reported Iran had accelerated its production of near weapons-grade uranium. Iran is believed to have of the enriched uranium to make a nuclear weapon.
The US wants to prevent Tehran from developing its stockpile, however Araghchi insisted Iran would continue its uranium enrichment.
“From our perspective, (uranium) enrichment is something that absolutely must continue, and there’s no room for compromise about that,” Araghchi told state media.
“We may consider limitations on its dimensions, scope, level, and amount for a certain period to build confidence, as we did in the agreement, but the principle of enrichment itself is not even negotiable,” he added.
The talks come as US President Donald Trump is expected to visit the Middle East this week. The American leader has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran if a deal isn’t reached.
Araghchi confirmed another round of negotiations have been agreed on, although the date and location still need to be set.