Abbas Araghchi stated that the indirect nuclear talks with the U.S. in Oman were “a good start” and that there was a “consensus” for the negotiations to continue.
“After an extended period without dialogue, we conveyed our viewpoints and expressed our concerns. Our interests, the rights of the Iranian people, and all necessary matters were presented in a highly positive atmosphere, and we also heard the other side’s views,” .
“It was a good start, but its continuation depends on consultations in our respective capitals and deciding on the next steps,” he added.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi met with both Iranian and American officials on Friday, the Omani Foreign Ministry announced on X. The ministry noted that al-Busaidi held separate meetings with Araghchi, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.
“The consultations focused on preparing the appropriate conditions for resuming diplomatic and technical negotiations, while emphasizing their importance—given the parties’ determination to ensure their success in achieving sustainable security and stability,” the Omani Foreign Ministry said.
Oman reportedly issued a public statement acknowledging the talks after journalists with observed Iranian and American officials visiting the palace separately, the outlet reported. The AP noted it was not immediately clear if the talks had concluded for the day, but pointed out the palace was empty after the convoys left.
The Iranian representatives reportedly met with al-Busaidi first; only after their convoy left the palace did another set of vehicles arrive, one of which displayed an American flag, according to the AP. The outlet said the SUV bearing the American flag stayed at the palace for an hour and a half.
The talks were initially scheduled to take place in Turkey but were later moved, according to Secretary of State , who confirmed the venue change on Wednesday.
“We thought we had an agreed-upon forum in Turkey. It was organized by a number of partners who wanted to attend and participate,” Rubio said while answering reporters’ questions on Wednesday.
“I saw conflicting reports yesterday from the Iranian side saying they had not agreed to that. So that’s still being worked through. At the end of the day, the United States is prepared to engage with Iran and has always been prepared to do so.”
Iranian officials also reportedly tried to limit the talks to a bilateral U.S.-Iran format, excluding other Arab and regional countries,
Tensions between Iran and the U.S. have been high since Washington in the summer of 2025. Tensions escalated further as the U.S. condemned Iran’s treatment of anti-regime protesters, with President threatening to act if government actors used violence against demonstrators.
Trump recently said in an interview with that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “should be very worried,” though the president acknowledged the two countries were “negotiating.”
When pressed about why he has not followed through on threats to take action if the regime used violence against protesters, Trump said the U.S. “had their back” and that Iran “is a mess right now because of us”—referring to strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Trump also told NBC News the U.S. had learned Iran was attempting to build a new nuclear site in another part of the country.
The president said he issued a threat: if Iran were to build a new nuclear facility, the U.S. would “do very bad things.”
It is not immediately clear whether there will be more discussions over the weekend or if there are any plans for direct talks between Iranian and American officials.
The State Department did not immediately respond to Digital’s request for comment.