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MUSCAT: Iran on Friday said it expected to hold more negotiations with the United States, hailing a "positive atmosphere" during a day of indirect talks in Oman but warning against threats after Washington raised the spectre of new military action.
With an American naval group led by an aircraft carrier in Middle Eastern waters, US and Iranian delegations held talks in Muscat mediated by the Gulf sultanate without publicly meeting face-to-face.
Shortly after the talks wrapped up, the US announced new sanctions against shipping entities and vessels, aimed at curbing Iran’s oil exports. But it was not clear if the move was linked to the outcome of the talks.
The talks were the first between the two foes since the United States joined Israel’s war with Iran in June with strikes on nuclear sites.
They also come just under a month after Iranian authorities launched a crackdown on protests that left thousands dead, according to rights groups.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led Iran’s delegation in Muscat, said talks "focused exclusively" on the Iranian nuclear programme which the West believes is aimed at making an atomic bomb but Tehran insists is peaceful.
The US delegation, led by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s influential son-in-law Jared Kushner, had also wanted Tehran’s backing for armed groups, its ballistic missile programme and treatment of protesters to also be on the agenda.
"In a very positive atmosphere, our arguments were exchanged and the views of the other side were shared with us," Araghchi told Iranian state TV, adding that the two sides had "agreed to continue negotiations, but we will decide on the modalities and timing at a later date".
"The way forward will depend on our consultations with capitals," he added.
Speaking to the official IRNA news agency, he expressed hope that Washington would refrain from "threats and pressure" so that "the talks can continue".
There was no immediate comment from the American delegation in Muscat.
