After years of diplomatic silence and increasing hostility, Iran and the United States have reopened a critical line of communication centered on Tehran’s nuclear program and the future of US sanctions. The rare engagement, held in Muscat, Oman on April 12 (Saturday), marks a cautious but potentially significant turning point in a relationship marred by mistrust, threats of military confrontation, and international tension.

The meeting, brokered by Oman, featured senior officials from both sides: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and White House Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. Despite being conducted largely through Omani intermediaries, the talks concluded with a brief, direct face-to-face exchange between Araghchi and Witkoff, facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. It was the first such moment of direct diplomacy between the two nations under President Donald Trump’s second term.

Foreign Minister Araghchi characterized the engagement as “constructive,” emphasizing the respectful tone of the dialogue and the absence of hostile rhetoric. “No inappropriate language was used, and the two sides demonstrated their commitment to advancing the talks until the achievement of a mutually favorable agreement from an equal position,” he told reporters following the meeting.

According to Araghchi, the meeting laid the groundwork for a framework that both sides hope to solidify in upcoming negotiations. The next round is scheduled for April 19, although the location may change from Muscat to another neutral venue.

“In the next round of the talks, we will try to enter the negotiations agenda, which will of course........

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