US President Donald Trump described recent discussions with Iran as “very good talks,” following an indirect dialogue held in Oman. He confirmed that another round of negotiations is expected next week.
Iran also expressed optimism, noting a “positive atmosphere” during the Muscat talks and signaling its expectation for further negotiations with the United States.
The discussions took place without face-to-face meetings, as both delegations shuttled between locations in Oman, mediated by the Omani government. An American naval group, led by an aircraft carrier, was positioned in Middle Eastern waters during the talks.
Trump, speaking to reporters on Air Force One en route to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, said: “We likewise had very good talks on Iran. We’re going to meet again early next week.”
Shortly after the talks concluded, the US announced new sanctions targeting shipping entities and vessels, aiming to curb Iran’s oil exports. Trump also signed an executive order granting his administration the ability to impose tariffs on goods from countries that trade with Iran, potentially affecting nations including China, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates.
It remains unclear whether these moves were directly linked to the Muscat talks, the first between the two nations since the United States joined Israel’s war with Iran in June, targeting its nuclear sites. While Iran warned against further threats, Trump emphasized: “If they don’t make a deal, the consequences are very steep.”
Trump Pushes Sanctions as US-Iran Talks Continue
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led Iran’s delegation, confirmed that the discussions “focused exclusively” on the Iranian nuclear program, which Tehran maintains is peaceful. He described the exchange as conducted “in a very positive atmosphere” and said both sides had “agreed to continue negotiations.”
Araghchi further expressed hope that Washington would refrain from “threats and pressure” so that “the talks can continue,” speaking to Iran’s official IRNA news agency.
Multiple sessions throughout the day saw both delegations moving between the residence of Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. US Central Command’s Admiral Brad Cooper was present, and the US team was led by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who also aimed to discuss Iran’s ballistic missile program, support for militant groups, and treatment of protesters.
The foreign ministry of US ally Qatar welcomed the talks, expressing hope they “lead to a comprehensive agreement that serves the interests of both parties and enhances security and stability in the region.”
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called on Iran to cease being a “destabilising power,” citing its nuclear program and support for what he described as “terrorist” groups. He also urged Tehran-backed groups to exercise restraint in the event of any military escalation.
Trump had initially threatened military action over Iran’s crackdown on protesters, which rights groups say killed thousands. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) confirmed 6,505 protesters were killed, alongside 214 security forces members and 61 bystanders. Arrests are estimated at 51,000, with many subject to forced confessions amid a prolonged internet shutdown.
Despite the heavy human rights concerns, Trump’s recent statements have focused on curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The US deployed a naval group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln to the region as a show of force, while Iran has repeatedly vowed retaliation against US bases if attacked.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the new sanctions align with Trump’s commitment to reducing “the Iranian regime’s illicit oil and petrochemical exports under the administration’s maximum pressure campaign.” AFP
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