US-Iran talks in Oman end without either side making significant concessions: Report

Indirect talks between the US and Iran in Oman ended without either side making major concessions, according to a report on Friday. The two sides did not meet face to face, instead holding alternating discussions through Omani diplomats, with neither shifting from its initial position during the talks, people familiar with the discussions told The Wall Street Journal. It remained unclear how the discussions affected broader efforts to reach a diplomatic solution on Iran’s nuclear program, as expectations ahead of the meeting were already low among regional officials and analysts, the report added. READ: Concern about Iran is ‘very, very high,’ Merz says during Abu Dhabi visit Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described Friday’s talks as a “good start,” saying they could continue if the atmosphere of distrust is overcome. He said it was agreed that the process would continue and that the sides could reconvene in Muscat at a later date. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said the talks were “very serious,” helping clarify the positions of both sides and identify areas for possible progress. Iran and the US resumed indirect nuclear diplomacy on Friday after weeks of heightened tensions, fueled by US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action against the country. READ: Russia will not stand idle over Iran crisis, says foreign minister