Review of the third round of Iran-US talks in Muscat

The third round of indirect Iran-US talks was held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Muscat, the capital of Oman. While the indirect format, subject of discussions, Oman’s mediation, and the composition of the negotiating delegations were similar to the previous two rounds, there were notable differences in this round.

The first round of indirect Iran-US talks took place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, mediated by Oman in Muscat, with Iran’s delegation led by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and the US delegation headed by Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy for Middle East affairs.

The same delegations held the second round of indirect talks on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Rome, Italy.

At the conclusion of the first two rounds, both sides noted the constructive atmosphere of the indirect talks and announced their continuation. Following the second round in Rome, the Iranian and US delegations stated that a meeting of their technical and expert teams would take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Ultimately, this meeting coincided with the political indirect talks on Saturday, April 26, starting at noon.

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iran’s technical and expert delegation was led by Majid Takht-Ravan chi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, and Kazem Gharib Abadi, Deputy for Legal and International Affairs.

Michael Anton led the 12-member US technical and expert delegation.

Before the third round began, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized in a statement that Iran’s negotiating team is determined to safeguard the legal and legitimate rights of the Iranian nation to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes while being prepared to take reasonable steps to provide assurances about the entirely peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.

He stressed: “Ending the illegal and inhumane sanctions against the Iranian people in a tangible and swift manner is a priority for us. It remains to be seen to what extent the other side is serious and prepared for a fair and realistic agreement.”

A day before the third round in Muscat, Trump remarked: “Things are going very well with Iran. We’ve had a lot of talks with them, and I think we’ll reach an agreement.”

The third round of indirect talks began in Muscat amid the presence of nuclear and economic experts in Iran’s delegation, sending a clear message: within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and international law, Iran is ready to offer confidence-building measures, though it remains cautious of US bad faith and Washington’s dual policy of pursuing talks while continuing sanctions and threats.

The third round commenced around noon Tehran time. As talks progressed in Muscat’s hot weather, speculation intensified, often bordering on rumors and targeted misinformation. While Iran entered the talks with a clear framework for confidence-building regarding its peaceful nuclear program and sanction relief, misinformation persisted. Western media, as in previous rounds, speculated about discussions involving Iran’s missile and defense capabilities.

This prompted the Foreign Ministry spokesperson to firmly deny claims by some Western media during the talks, stating that Iran’s defense and missile capabilities were neither discussed nor on the table in the indirect talks with the US.

The third round concluded around 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.

Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, wrote on X at the end of this round: “Today’s Iran-US talks outlined a shared aspiration for an agreement based on mutual respect and sustainable commitments. Fundamental principles, objectives, and technical concerns were all reviewed.”

He added: “The talks will continue next week with another high-level meeting tentatively scheduled for May 3.”

Araghchi, summarizing this round, stated: “The talks were much more serious than before, and we gradually delved into more detailed, technical, and procedural discussions. The presence of experts was very helpful, and we exchanged written views multiple times.”

Noting that further reviews will take place in capitals before the next meeting to find ways to narrow differences, he said: “It was clear that both sides engaged seriously, creating an atmosphere that gives hope for progress.”

Iran’s chief negotiator emphasized: “This hope remains cautious. Many issues require broad agreement before we can negotiate details. Differences exist on both overarching and specific matters. The talks are cautious, and general understandings must be reached.”

Araghchi stressed that the talks are solely about the nuclear issue, stating: “I say clearly, our focus is only on the nuclear issue, and we will not negotiate any other topic. When we say nuclear, it means confidence-building in Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanction relief. Nuclear and sanctions go hand in hand.”

The Foreign Minister also announced that the next round will likely take place on Saturday, with the host government determining the location.

Araghchi noted the first-time presence of economic experts in Iran’s delegation, adding: “From the next meeting, an expert from the Atomic Energy Organization will join. Our focus is solely on the nuclear issue, and no other topic will be discussed.”

US media also reported on the third round of indirect talks.

The Washington Post, quoting a senior US official, wrote: “The talks with Iran were positive and constructive. Much work remains, but more progress has been made toward reaching an agreement.”

The New York Times reported that the US seeks to move the talks to a location closer to America. On Saturday, the Iranian and US delegations presented the framework for negotiations and discussed various issues but reached no agreement. The next round will be held in Europe.

Oman’s mediation, rooted in its policy of neutrality, has played a significant role in initiating and sustaining the indirect Iran-US talks. Meanwhile, Iran, as always, has demonstrated that while standing firm on its principled positions, it is ready for a sustainable agreement contingent on guaranteeing the legitimate rights of its people.