Iran says nuclear talks 'difficult but useful' while U.S. is 'encouraged'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (left) arrives in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday for nuclear talks with the U.S. | IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY handout

by AYA ISKANDARANI AND MENNA ZAKI
May 12, 2025

MUSCAT, OMAN – Iran and the United States wrapped up nuclear talks in Oman on Sunday with no apparent breakthrough in a public standoff over enrichment, but with both sides confirming plans for future negotiations.

This was the fourth round of talks that began nearly a month ago, marking the highest-level contact between the two foes since Washington withdrew in 2018 from a landmark nuclear deal, during President Donald Trump's first term.

Both sides had reported progress in the previous three rounds, and on Sunday Iran said the meeting was "difficult but useful" while a senior U.S. official said Washington was "encouraged."