{"id":34010,"date":"2026-02-07T10:22:50","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T08:22:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=34010"},"modified":"2026-02-11T09:25:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T07:25:38","slug":"iran-and-us-hold-indirect-talks-in-oman-focused-exclusively-on-nuclear-issue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/iran-and-us-hold-indirect-talks-in-oman-focused-exclusively-on-nuclear-issue\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran and US hold indirect talks in Oman focused exclusively on nuclear issue"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

6 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that indirect talks with the United States officials in Oman on February 6, 2026, were a \u201cgood start\u201d that \u201ccan also have a good continuation.\u201d The two sides have resumed nuclear diplomacy amid deep mistrust and regional tensions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking to Iranian state media after the talks in Muscat, Araghchi said the delegations would return to their capitals for consultations but had agreed to continue the process and reconvene at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iranian state media reported the conclusion of the latest round, describing it as the beginning of a renewed diplomatic track following months of conflict and escalating rhetoric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Araghchi described the discussions as a \u201cgood start and can have a good continuation,\u201d but stressed that progress would depend on decisions made in Tehran and Washington. He said a \u201csignificant challenge\u201d remains, particularly the deep distrust between the two sides after months of conflict and political tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe deep distrust that has accumulated during this period, adding to previous distrust, presents a major challenge for the negotiations. First, we must overcome this atmosphere of distrust and then design the framework for a new dialogue that can, in principle, secure the interests of the Iranian people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Iranian officials, the talks were focused exclusively on nuclear issues, though U.S. officials had previously indicated they also wanted to address Iran\u2019s ballistic missile program and its support for regional armed groups. The gap in priorities underscores the complexity of any potential agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe did note that nuclear talks and the resolution of the main issues must take place in a calm atmosphere, without tension and without threats,\u201d he said. \u201cThe prerequisite for any dialogue is refraining from threats and pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Iranian<\/a>
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr AlBusaidi in Muscat, Oman, on Feb. 6. (Image Credit: Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Araghchi said both sides are now at a stage where a new round of dialogue can begin after months of turbulence that included conflict and heightened military tensions. He added that future sessions in Muscat would aim to establish an agreed framework for negotiations and determine which issues will be formally on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf this same approach and perspective are maintained by the other side, we can reach an agreed framework in future sessions for these talks and the issues being discussed. However, I do not want to judge prematurely,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed on social media that the parties agreed to continue talks and would decide on the next round in consultation with their respective capitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meeting was originally scheduled to take place in Turkey, with the foreign ministers of Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia expected to attend. However, Iran insisted on relocating the venue to Muscat and excluding representatives from those countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Mediation and Regional Tensions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The talks were mediated by Oman\u2019s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, who said the discussions were \u201cuseful to clarify both Iranian and American thinking and identify areas for possible progress.\u201d Oman has long served as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran during periods of diplomatic strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Iranian delegation was led by Araghchi, while the U.S. side included special envoy Steve Witkoff. The meeting marked one of the first high-level contacts between U.S. and Iranian officials in months, following a period of heightened tensions that raised fears of direct conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The participation of U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, underscored Washington\u2019s military footprint in the region. His appearance in dress uniform at the Muscat talks coincided with the deployment of the aircraft carrier<\/mark><\/a> USS Abraham Lincoln and other U.S. warships off Iran\u2019s coast in the Arabian Sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Very serious talks mediating between Iran and the US in Muscat today.
It was useful to clarify both Iranian and American thinking and identify areas for possible progress. We aim to reconvene in due course, with the results to be considered carefully in Tehran and Washington. pic.twitter.com\/OWctzf2CXA<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Badr Albusaidi – \u0628\u062f\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0628\u0648\u0633\u0639\u064a\u062f\u064a (@badralbusaidi) February 6, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>