Trump envoy, Iranian foreign minister meet in first round of nuclear talks
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Newspaper front page headlines are seen at a kiosk in Tehran on April 12, 2025, featuring the Iran-US talks on the Iranian nuclear program, which are set to begin n Oman. Photo: Atta Kenner/AFP via Getty Images
U.S. and Iranian officials met and spoke briefly in the first round of nuclear talks on Saturday in Oman, according to the Iranian foreign ministry.
Why it matters: President Trump has repeatedly said Iran needs to rapidly reach a deal that makes sure it can't obtain a nuclear weapon or face the prospect of military strikes, which could lead to war.
- The encounter between Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and White House Envoy Steve Witkoff as they exited the venue where indirect talks were held was the first time the U.S. and Iran engaged directly since Trump returned to office.
- "These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoff's direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome," the White House said in a statement.
- U.S. and Iranian officials used similar language to describe their primary objective for Saturday's talks: determining whether the other side is serious or just stringing them along.
- A U.S. official told Axios Trump is prepared to make compromises to get a deal.
Driving the news: Witkoff arrived in Oman Friday night after holding talks in Russia with President Vladimir Putin.
- The Iranian delegation, headed by Araghchi, arrived on Saturday morning.
The White House said Friday the talks would be direct, but when they started it was not the case.
- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said they would be held at a location designated by the Omani hosts, with representatives of Iran and the U.S. seated in separate rooms.
- Araghchi told Iranian state television there were four exchanges of messages through the Omani mediators during the talks on Saturday.
- Axios reported earlier this month that the White House was seriously considering an Iranian proposal for indirect nuclear talks.
What they're saying: "Our goal is to reach a just and respectful agreement and on equal footing. If the other side also comes from a similar approach, then this will be an opportunity for an initial understanding, which will lead to the path to negotiations," Araghchi said Saturday ahead of the talks.
- He added that the Iranian goal is to decide on the timetable for negotiations on a nuclear deal.
The Omani foreign minister wrote on X that the talks "took place in a friendly atmosphere conducive to bridging viewpoints and ultimately achieving regional and global peace, security and stability."
- "We will continue to work together and put further efforts to assist in arriving at this goal," he continued. The talks on Saturday lasted about two and a half hours.
What's next: Araghchi told Iranian state television that the next round will take place next Saturday in Oman, which the White House confirmed.
- "Neither we nor the other side are looking for a fruitless dialogue, talks for talks and wasting time. Both sides acknowledged that their desired outcome is an agreement that can be reached in the shortest possible time," Araghchi said.
- The White House called the talks "were very positive and constructive."
- "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," the White House said in a statement.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details.
