The White House described Saturday’s talks with Iran as “positive” and Iran’s foreign ministry said the indirect discussions were held in a “constructive atmosphere,” with both sides agreeing to a second round of negotiations next week.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department and Iran’s foreign ministry for comment and confirmation via email on Saturday.
Why It Matters
The talks follow years of strained, distrusting relations between the two countries, which intensified after Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during his first term.
Iran’s nuclear program is under pressure from the United States, which accuses the Islamic Republic of seeking to develop the technology to give it nuclear weapons and has threatened to bomb Iran if a diplomatic solution is not reached that could prevent it from ever acquiring them.
Tehran has said it will not negotiate under pressure and has repeatedly said its nuclear program has only civilian purposes.
Iranian media’s report of Saturday’s seemingly cordial interaction may help build trust between the two countries, which are believed to be seeking progress on limiting Iran’s nuclear program, easing sanctions and addressing Iran’s regional activities.
What To Know
Iranian state media, including Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), reported that the Iranian foreign ministry said Saturday’s talks were held in “a constructive atmosphere and based on mutual respect.” The Iranian government’s comments came before the White House issued its own statement on the meeting.
The outlet noted that U.S. and Iran agreed to another round of negotiations to take place next week. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later told state television that the next round will take place on April 19. No further details were provided about the location.
Araghchi lead the Iranian delegation on Saturday, while U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff represented Washington. In a statement emailed to Newsweek on Saturday afternoon, the White House also noted that U.S. ambassador to Oman Ana Escrogima participated in the talks.
The White House’s statement described the discussions as “very positive and constructive,” adding that the “United States deeply thanks the Sultanate of Oman for its support of this initiative.”
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who helped mediate the talks, said in an update Saturday that both parties helped create “a friendly atmosphere conducive to bridging viewpoints and ultimately achieving regional and global peace, security and stability.”
Earlier in the day, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei noted that the indirect talks commenced, writing in Persian that the representatives were “seated in separate rooms.”
IRNA reported that the talks took place for over two hours, and then Iran’s Araghchi and Witkoff spoke directly “for a few minutes” in the presence of Oman’s foreign minister just ahead of leaving.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (left) is seen in Tehran, Iran, on February 12. Steve Witkoff, White House special envoy, speaks outside the White House on March 19 in Washington, D.C.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (left) is seen in Tehran, Iran, on February 12. Steve Witkoff, White House special envoy, speaks outside the White House on March 19 in Washington, D.C.
AP Photo/Vahid Salemi/ Mark Schiefelbein
What People Are Saying
The White House said in a statement email to Newsweek on Saturday: “Special Envoy Witkoff underscored to Dr. Araghchi that he had instructions from President Trump to resolve our two nations’ differences through dialogue and diplomacy, if that is possible. These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoff’s direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome. The sides agreed to meet again next Saturday.”
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi wrote in an X, formerly Twitter, posted on Saturday: “I am proud to announce that today in Muscat we hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi and US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and mediated to begin a process of dialogue and negotiations with the shared aim of concluding a fair and binding agreement.”
Alex Vatanka, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, told Newsweek ahead of the talks on Friday that Iran is “serious about the diplomatic track.”
Gregory Brew, a senior Eurasia Group analyst focused on Iran and energy, wrote in a Saturday X post: “Iranians and Omanis are putting out good vibes, but let’s wait to see if Witkoff or Trump have any reactions.”
Farnaz Fassihi, an Iranian American New York Times journalist, wrote in an X post: “Iran FM Araghchi: ‘In my opinion, it was a constructive meeting, it took place in a calm and very respectful environment. There was no sharp words used, both sides showed commitment to take these talks forward until we reach a deal that is favorable to both sides.’
What Happens Next?
Representatives of Iran and the U.S. will hold the second round of talks on April 19, the White House confirmed on Saturday.
Update 4/12/25, 2:11 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with a new headline and additional information.
Update 4/12/25, 2 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with the White House’s comment.
Update 4/12/25, 12:24 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.