On Saturday, a third round of talks took place between Iran and the United States regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. The discussions included several hours of indirect communication, primarily through written exchanges, involving high-ranking officials and technical expert teams from both nations.
In an interview with state television, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, described the talks as “very serious,” emphasizing a focus on potential agreement specifics. While he acknowledged ongoing disagreements between Tehran and Washington, he expressed cautious optimism about progress.
Mr. Araghchi mentioned that negotiations would resume the following Saturday, with Oman serving as the mediator for the discussions, which also involve Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, alongside expert teams.
He remarked that “the atmosphere of the negotiations was very serious and productive.” While some larger issues were set aside, he clarified that this did not mean all differences were resolved.
“We have disagreements on various issues,” he noted, “but discussions in our respective capitals this week are aimed at bridging these gaps.”
A senior American official indicated that the next round of talks would take place in Europe, with Oman facilitating. The discussions, lasting four hours, were described as productive by the official.
In an interview with Time magazine released on Friday, Mr. Trump expressed confidence about reaching an agreement with Iran, asserting that no one else could achieve this. He withdrew the U.S. from a prior nuclear deal with Iran in 2018, labeling it as flawed.
The negotiations hold significant potential for altering both regional and global security dynamics, as they can potentially minimize the likelihood of an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities and stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. A successful deal could also transform Iran’s economic and political situation by lifting American sanctions and inviting foreign investment.
What’s happening on Saturday?
In Oman, Steve Witkoff, Mr. Trump’s Middle East envoy, met with Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, alongside technical expert teams from both sides. Iranian state media noted that the talks commenced around midday.
This session included detailed “expert discussions,” merging nuclear and financial teams to tackle technical specifics like monitoring Iran’s nuclear facilities, uranium enrichment levels, and the future of its highly enriched uranium stockpiles, in addition to sanctions relief.
Mr. Trump articulated that the negotiations aim to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, officials from his administration have conveyed conflicting viewpoints regarding this objective.
This aim doesn’t encompass other concerns from Israel about Iran’s advanced missile capabilities, its support for militias in the region, and its antagonistic stance toward Israel.
Esmail Baghai, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated on Saturday that discussions around Iran’s defense and missile capabilities had “not been and will not be discussed in indirect negotiations with the United States.”
What’s at stake?
Establishing a new nuclear agreement could delay or even prevent a broader confrontation between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Since the Gaza conflict commenced in 2023, Israel and Iran have engaged in mutual attacks.
Last week, The New York Times revealed that Israel had plans to strike Iranian nuclear facilities imminently, but Mr. Trump stepped in, advocating for negotiations instead.
In his Time interview, Mr. Trump admitted not obstructing Israel’s plans but emphasized he did not facilitate them. He remarked, “I believe we can reach an agreement without necessitating an attack. However, there’s also the possibility that action may be required to ensure Iran doesn’t acquire nuclear capabilities.”
Iran has been enriching uranium to around 60 percent purity, just below the threshold needed for weapon development. According to the U.N.’s nuclear regulator, the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses enough material to construct several nuclear bombs if it decides to pursue weaponization.
Iran asserts that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, and the I.A.E.A. has reported no evidence of weaponization activities.
In the event of an attack on its nuclear facilities, Iran has warned of severe retaliation and may consider withdrawing from the U.N. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
The economic well-being of Iran and its 90 million citizens hangs in the balance.
Years of sanctions have induced chronic inflation, worsened by economic mismanagement and corruption. Many Iranians now feel trapped in a downward spiral, hoping a U.S.-Iran agreement could bring relief.
What happened in previous talks?
The initial round of nuclear discussions took place in Oman two weeks prior, followed by a second round in Rome last weekend.
Both parties have asserted that the negotiations have been constructive and are progressing positively.
Iranian officials have indicated openness to reduce uranium enrichment levels to the 2015 nuclear agreement target of 3.67 percent, which aligns with levels required for nuclear power generation.
What are the sticking points?
Disagreement about permitting Iran to continue uranium enrichment remains a contentious issue among Mr. Trump’s advisors.
Mr. Witkoff has outlined a potential agreement that allows for low-level enrichment necessary for energy production, coupled with monitoring provisions.
However, recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that Iran could maintain a civilian nuclear program without domestic uranium enrichment, similar to other countries that import enriched uranium.
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has stated that the U.S. is pursuing the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program,
Iran has dismissed a certain position as completely unacceptable.
According to Foreign Minister Mr. Araghchi, Iran has invited the United States to invest in its nuclear program and assist in constructing 19 additional nuclear reactors for enhanced security.
Mr. Araghchi mentioned in a speech shared on social media, “We are offering a trillion-dollar potential for U.S. businesses, including firms that can assist in generating clean electricity from sources other than hydrocarbons.”
If Mr. Trump agrees to restrictions on the amount and level of uranium enrichment Iran can maintain, it could lead to criticism that he is merely recreating aspects of the former Obama administration’s nuclear agreement.
Some analysts suggest that potential improvements over the old agreement could involve more rigorous inspections of Iran’s nuclear operations, partnership ventures in managing the nuclear plants, and establishing permanent guarantees from Iran.
How did we get to this point?
Both parties entered the talks with substantial mistrust.
The previous agreement between Iran, the United States, and other global powers was known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
This agreement included measures to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, such as capping uranium enrichment at 3.5 percent, transferring its enriched uranium stockpiles to Russia, and allowing inspections by the I.A.E.A. with monitoring equipment.
Due to concerns over U.S. sanctions, European companies exited Iran, and banks ceased operations with the country.
About a year after the agreement was established, Iran, seeing no economic gains, deviated from its commitments and raised its uranium enrichment to nearly 60 percent.
What happens next?
Currently, there seems to be a mutual interest in reaching a new agreement, with further discussions planned.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who previously prohibited negotiations with Mr. Trump, has sanctioned the talks and expressed his support for the negotiating team.
However, a deal may not be imminent.
Discussions could still falter on technical points, which were notably the most difficult aspects of earlier negotiations.
It’s also possible that a temporary agreement could be reached to halt uranium enrichment while a final deal is negotiated.
Reporting contributed by Lara Jakes and David E. Sanger.
