Indirect Negotiations Between Iran and the U.S. Begin in Oman

Iran and the United States, which have had no diplomatic relations since 1980, began rare "indirect" negotiations today in Oman, according to a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. presidential envoy Steve Whitkoff "began thanks to the mediation of Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi," Esmail Baghaei said on the social media platform X.

The spokesperson stated that the negotiations will take place at a location arranged by the Omani host, and that representatives from Iran and the U.S. will be seated in separate rooms, conveying their positions to each other through the Omani foreign minister.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi told Iranian journalists that "if there is enough will on both sides, we will decide on a timeline, but it is still too early to talk about that."

"It is now clear that the negotiations are indirect, and in our view, solely about Iran's nuclear program. They will be conducted with the aim of reaching an agreement that is fair and ensures the protection of the national interests of the Iranian people," Araghchi said.

U.S. President Donald Trump and envoy Whitkoff have referred to these negotiations as "direct."

A general agreement is not expected immediately, but the stakes are very high for both countries, which have nearly half a century of hostility between them, according to the AP news agency.

Trump has repeatedly warned that he could order airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities if an agreement is not reached, while Iranian officials warn that Iran could begin producing nuclear weapons using its uranium stockpiles.