Iran and U.S. to hold third round of nuclear talks

Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.

An Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Muscat, Oman, to hold a third round of indirect talks with the U.S. under Omani mediation on Saturday.

The discussions will focus on Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions. Iran has reiterated that it will not negotiate over its defense capabilities or regional influence but remains open to an agreement ensuring it will not pursue a nuclear bomb, a goal it says it does not seek.

As in the previous two rounds of talks in Italy and Oman, Araghchi and U.S. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff will head their respective delegations.

The first round of indirect talks took place in Muscat on April 12, marking the first official negotiations between the two sides since the U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in May 2018 during President Donald Trump’s first term. A second round followed in Rome on April 19.

A potential agreement could unlock billions of dollars in Iranian export revenues currently frozen in foreign banks due to sanctions.

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