US says talks with Iran 'very positive'

IANS April 13, 2025 132 views

The United States and Iran have taken a significant diplomatic step forward with high-level talks in Muscat, Oman. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, marking the first such high-level communication since 2018. The White House described the discussions as "very positive and constructive", signaling potential progress in resolving long-standing tensions. President Trump emphasized his desire for Iran's prosperity while maintaining a firm stance against nuclear weapon development.

"I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country, but they can't have a nuclear weapon" - Donald Trump
Washington, April 13: The White House on Saturday said the first round of talks with Iranians, which took place in Muscat, Oman, were “very positive and constructive”.

Key Points

1

First high-level US-Iran talks since 2018 nuclear deal breakdown

2

Oman hosts critical diplomatic dialogue

3

Potential breakthrough in tense bilateral relations

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Next talks scheduled for following Saturday

US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat which were hosted by Omani Foreign Minister Said Badr.

These were talks between the Trump-led US and Iran, and marked an end of an impasse hit in relation in 2018 when President Trump walked out of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JAPOA), signed by US under President Barack Obama and remaining member of the UN Security Council 's permanent members -- the UK, France, Russia and China and German, on one side and Iran on the other.

The next round of talks are scheduled for next Saturday.

"The discussions were very positive and constructive, and the United States deeply thanks the Sultanate of Oman for its support of this initiative," the White House said in a statement, adding: "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. These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoff's direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome. The sides agreed to meet again next Saturday."

According to reports, the Iran's state-run broadcaster reported that Witkoff and Araghchi "briefly spoke" together, the first such contact between the two countries at this level.

President Trump has expressed optimism he will be able to make a deal with Iran saying Friday that he wants to see Iran prosper but that he was committed to not allowing it to acquire nuclear weapons.

"I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country, but they can't have a nuclear weapon," Trump said aboard Air Force One on the way to Florida.

Reader Comments

M
Michael T.
This is encouraging news! Diplomacy should always be the first option. Hope both sides can find common ground and avoid further escalation. 🤞
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Sarah L.
I'll believe it when I see concrete results. The same administration that pulled out of JAPOA now wants to negotiate? Seems inconsistent to me.
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Aisha K.
Oman deserves credit for facilitating these talks. They've been a neutral mediator in the region for years. More countries should follow their example of diplomacy.
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James P.
The article mentions "mutually beneficial outcome" - that's key. Previous deals felt one-sided. Maybe this approach will lead to something more sustainable.
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Rachel M.
While I'm hopeful, I wish the article provided more details about what was actually discussed. "Very positive" is vague - what specific progress was made?
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David S.
Interesting development. The fact that they're meeting again next week suggests both sides see potential here. Fingers crossed for peaceful resolution!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
US-Iran Relations Steve Witkoff Donald Trump Abbas Araghchi Nuclear Diplomacy Oman Talks
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