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The meeting came amid mounting pressure on the Iranian regime, whose nuclear ambitions have set off alarm bells across the world. Tehran’s uranium enrichment efforts have reportedly accelerated in recent months, forcing Trump’s team to act swiftly.
After the session, Araghchi issued a cautious but optimistic statement: “We made clear how many in Iran believe that the [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] is no longer good enough for us. To them, what is left from that deal are ‘lessons learned.’ Personally, I tend to agree. The initiation of expert level track will begin in coming days with a view to hammer out details.”
He added, “After that, we will be in a better position to judge. For now, optimism may be warranted but only with a great deal of caution.”
The meeting wasn’t just symbolic—it set the stage for technical negotiations set to begin in the coming days. The goal? A firm, enforceable deal that ensures Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful and completely free of weapons-grade capability.
Omani officials, who have played a pivotal role in brokering communication between the U.S. and Iran, confirmed that both sides are entering the next phase of negotiations. The next round of talks is scheduled to take place in Muscat.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi is helping to steer the conversations toward a concrete outcome. According to an Omani spokesman, “It is only in dialogue and clear communication that we will be able to achieve a mutually credible agreement and understanding for the benefit of all concerned regionally and internationally.”
The Trump administration, unlike its predecessors, has made it clear that failure is not an option. President Trump has repeatedly warned Iran against developing a nuclear arsenal and hinted that if diplomacy breaks down, the military is not off the table.
“I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death — and I’d like to see that, that’s my first option,” Trump said to reporters last week.
Iran, on its end, is trying to project an image of openness to diplomacy. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei wrote on X, “We are aware that it is not a smooth path but we take every step with open eyes, relying also on the past experiences.”
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“We have always demonstrated, with good faith and a sense of responsibility, our commitment to diplomacy as a civilized way to resolve issues, in full respect of the high interests of the Iranian nation,” he added.
Before sitting down with Araghchi, Witkoff also met with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s chief Rafael Grossi to ensure coordination on nuclear verification efforts, according to diplomatic sources.
This new round of negotiations builds on last week’s “constructive” meetings in Oman. With both sides now agreeing to reconvene, it appears that President Trump’s strategy of maximum pressure followed by precise diplomacy may be paying off.
As the next round approaches, all eyes are on Muscat. Whether Iran will finally agree to walk back its nuclear ambitions remains to be seen—but what’s certain is that this administration isn’t backing down.
