High-level negotiations between the United States and Iran took place in Oman this week, marking a rare moment of direct contact between the two sides. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff led their respective delegations. The talks began indirectly, mediated by Omani officials, and concluded with a brief face-to-face conversation.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, said the talks are “going pretty well.” His remark fueled speculation about the possibility of a breakthrough in the longstanding nuclear standoff.
Iran later confirmed that its foreign minister held a direct exchange with Witkoff, the first of its kind during this round of negotiations. Tehran emphasized that the next steps depend on Washington, while the U.S. side reiterated its red line: preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The discussions are expected to resume next week. While no agreement has been announced, the fact that both sides engaged directly has been interpreted as a tentative but notable shift in tone.
As both delegations return to their capitals, attention now turns to what concessions—if any—will follow in the next round of talks.
