Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran wrapped up in Geneva on Thursday, with Oman announcing that talks had made “significant progress” and would resume soon despite lingering gaps between the two sides.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al‑Busaidi said on X that the delegations had concluded the latest round but would continue technical-level discussions next week in Vienna, home to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He added that both sides had exchanged “creative and positive ideas.”
U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff had been dispatched by President Donald Trump to push for a deal limiting Iran’s nuclear activities. Axios reported that both expressed disappointment with Iran’s opening position during Thursday morning’s session, though analysts noted that the U.S. side’s decision to continue talks showed room for compromise.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran presented “constructive proposals” on nuclear issues and sanctions relief during “very intensive” meetings mediated by Oman, which has long served as a key channel between Tehran and Washington.
The talks come at a moment of heightened tension in the Middle East, with the United States deploying a large fleet of aircraft and warships to the region. Analysts warn that failure to reach an agreement could increase the risk of U.S. military action.
