The United States wants a nuclear agreement "as soon as possible", Iran said after rare talks on Saturday, as US President Donald Trump threatens military action if they fail to reach a deal.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who briefly spoke face-to-face with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff during the indirect meeting in Oman, said the talks would resume next Saturday.

"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 and will require a willingness on both sides," Araghchi told Iranian state television.

"At today's meeting, I think we came very close to a basis for negotiation... Neither we nor the other party want fruitless negotiations, discussions for discussions' sake, time wasting or talks that drag on for ever," he added.

A statement from the White House said: "The discussions were very positive and constructive.

"Special Envoy Witkoff's direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome," it said.

Oman's foreign minister acted as intermediary in the talks in Muscat, Iran said. The Americans had called for the meetings to be........

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