Iran and United States agree to hold more negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program

Nuclear talks between Iran and the United States concluded after about two hours on Saturday, according to Iranian media reports.

Iran and the United States have agreed to hold more negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program.

Oman, which is known for its discreet role as a regional mediator, has not commented publicly on the meeting.

Iran was represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a veteran of the 2013–15 nuclear negotiations with world powers. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff represented the Trump administration.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says nuclear negotiations with the United States will continue on April 19.

Araghchi led the Iranian delegation at talks with the US in Muscat, Oman, that lasted about two and a half hours on Saturday.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who was the chief mediator, posted on X that there was a "friendly atmosphere" at the dialogue.

The United States was led by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

The negotiations took place in separate rooms with Omani officials relaying messages between the delegations.

However, Araghchi and Witkoff spoke briefly face-to-face at the conclusion of the talks on Saturday, according to Iran.

Tehran repeatedly described Saturday's dialogue as "indirect," while US President Donald Trump said they would be "direct."

Last month, Trump proposed negotiations with Iran over a new nuclear deal, while warning of military action if Tehran did not agree to curtail its controversial nuclear programme.

After several days of deliberation, Tehran ultimately accepted, partly in the hope of getting relief from the crippling sanctions imposed by the US, which are seen as a key factor in Iran's current economic struggles.