Geneva, Switzerland. The United States and Iran made progress in talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme on Thursday, mediator Oman said, but negotiations ended without a breakthrough. The two sides plan to resume talks soon after consultations in their capitals, with technical-level discussions scheduled next week in Vienna.
Oman cites progress and outlines next steps
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said in a post on X after meetings in Switzerland that the talks had made “significant progress.” He said the next round would follow consultations in the two countries’ capitals and that technical-level discussions are scheduled to take place next week in Vienna.
MS NOW reported late on Thursday that Albusaidi will hold talks with US Vice President JD Vance and other US officials in Washington on Friday. Neither the White House nor Oman’s embassy in Washington immediately responded to requests for comment.
Talks held indirectly in Geneva
Albusaidi’s assessment followed indirect talks in Geneva between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The talks included one session in the morning and a second in the afternoon.
“We have finished the day after significant progress in the negotiation between the United States and Iran,” Albusaidi said.
No deal reached as differences remain
Araqchi described the talks as among the most serious Iran has had with the United States, saying on Iranian state television: “We reached agreement on some issues, and there are differences regarding some other issues.”
He said the next round of negotiations would take place soon, in less than a week. He added that Iran had clearly expressed its demand for lifting of US sanctions, which Washington has long insisted will only come after deep concessions from Tehran.
Regional tensions and risk of escalation
Any substantial move toward an agreement between Washington and Tehran could reduce the prospects of US President Donald Trump carrying out a threatened attack on Iran amid a military buildup. However, the indirect talks ended without a deal, leaving the region on edge.
What do you think the planned technical-level discussions in Vienna could change in the negotiations?
