US seeks swift nuclear deal, but challenges remain, says Iran after pivotal talks

Iran says US seeks swift nuclear deal, but challenges remain.

The United States and Iran inched closer to reviving nuclear negotiations during a rare meeting in Oman on Saturday, with both sides describing the talks as “positive” while acknowledging the significant challenges ahead. Iranian officials said Washington is seeking an agreement “as soon as possible,” even as President Donald Trump maintains the threat of military action should diplomacy fail.

The high-level discussions marked the most significant face-to-face engagement between the two adversaries since Trump exited the 2015 nuclear agreement during his first term. Iran and the U.S. have had no formal diplomatic ties for over four decades.

Key Figures Return to the Table

The talks in Muscat were led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Araghchi, one of the architects of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), said the dialogue moved closer to establishing a framework for future negotiations.

“The American side also said that a positive agreement was one that can be reached as soon as possible, but that will not be easy,” Araghchi told Iranian state television. “Neither we nor the other party want fruitless negotiations or discussions that drag on forever.”

The White House echoed a similar sentiment, calling the talks “very positive and constructive” in a statement. Witkoff’s brief face-to-face interaction with Araghchi was the first direct contact between senior U.S. and Iranian officials since the Obama era.

Oman's Mediation and Secretive Setting

The meeting was held in a Muscat luxury hotel—the same venue used during the original 2015 talks—with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi acting as intermediary. While the delegations were placed in separate rooms, Iran confirmed that a brief direct exchange took place, describing the atmosphere as “constructive and mutually respectful.”

Oman, which has long played a mediating role between Tehran and Western powers, confirmed the setting remained cordial throughout the process.

U.S. Seeking Guarantees, Iran Seeking Relief

Witkoff told The Wall Street Journal that while hardliners in Washington demand Iran dismantle its nuclear programme entirely, he is open to compromise, provided there is no weaponisation.

“There can’t be weaponisation of your nuclear capability,” Witkoff said, but added, “That doesn’t mean we won’t find other ways to bridge gaps.”

Iran, meanwhile, is seeking urgent sanctions relief as its economy reels from renewed U.S. pressure and regional setbacks. The regime has faced economic hardship under Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign and military threats.

Trump's Position: Optimism with an Edge

Just hours before the Muscat meeting, Trump expressed guarded optimism. “I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country. But they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he told reporters. When asked about next steps should diplomacy fail, Trump responded: “If it requires military, we’re going to have military.”

The talks were first revealed during Trump’s joint appearance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the week. Israel remains sceptical of any agreement, and Netanyahu has demanded that any new deal must include the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Iranian Leadership Seeks a 'Fair Agreement'

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s adviser, Ali Shamkhani, reiterated that Iran wants “a real and fair agreement.” Iran continues to insist its nuclear ambitions are civilian, though recent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicate otherwise. The agency says Iran now holds nearly 275 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent—dangerously close to the 90 percent threshold needed for weapons.

Middle East analyst Karim Bitar, speaking to AFP, said the stakes for Iran are existential. “The one and only priority is the survival of the regime,” he said, pointing to the urgent need for sanctions relief amid deepening public discontent.

Next Steps

Both sides agreed to resume negotiations on Saturday, April 19, with the path forward still uncertain. While Saturday’s meeting showed rare cooperation, fundamental disagreements over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities continue to complicate prospects for a long-term resolution.

(With AFP Input)