U.S. and Iran Complete Fourth Round of Nuclear Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The United States and Iran concluded a fourth round of nuclear negotiations in Oman, with discussions labeled “difficult but useful” by both sides. Talks focused on limiting Iran’s enrichment activities in exchange for easing sanctions. The diplomatic effort comes ahead of President Trump’s visit to the Middle East.
U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks Show Progress in Oman – Quick Looks
- Fourth round of nuclear negotiations held in Muscat, Oman.
- Iran calls talks “difficult but useful,” U.S. sees technical progress.
- Mediated by Oman, with both direct and indirect exchanges.
- Trump demands full halt to uranium enrichment in Iran.
- Iran insists on keeping enrichment but may consider limits.
- Tensions rise amid Israel-Hamas war and Israeli threats.
- Domestic pressure mounts in Iran due to economic strain.
- Trump’s two-month deadline for a deal set to expire.
U.S. and Iran Complete Fourth Round of Nuclear Talks
Deep Look
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States and Iran concluded a fourth round of high-stakes nuclear negotiations on Sunday in Muscat, Oman, as efforts intensify to defuse rising tensions over Tehran’s advancing nuclear program. The meeting, just days ahead of President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit, is the latest attempt to reach an agreement that could prevent further escalation in the region.
Talks lasted about three hours and were described by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei as “difficult but useful.” A U.S. official confirmed the same timeline and added that both sides agreed to continue negotiations soon. While Iran maintains the talks were strictly indirect, the U.S. described them as a mix of direct and indirect exchanges.
“We are encouraged by today’s outcome and look forward to our next meeting,” the U.S. official told reporters anonymously. The core of the negotiations revolves around capping Iran’s nuclear enrichment levels in exchange for partial relief from U.S. economic sanctions that have severely crippled the Iranian economy.
The discussions were led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. While the two officials reportedly met in person, much of the dialogue was facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who shuttled messages between the two sides. Al-Busaidi praised the “original ideas” presented, suggesting both sides are keen to avoid a breakdown in diplomacy.
For Iran, uranium enrichment is a non-negotiable national priority. Araghchi emphasized that enrichment will not be halted entirely but hinted that Iran may be willing to place limits “on its dimensions, amount, and level for trust-building.”
Conversely, the Trump administration remains firm. Witkoff recently stated that Iran must dismantle its key enrichment facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan and that “an enrichment program can never exist in the state of Iran ever again.”
This stark contrast illustrates the considerable gap remaining between the two countries’ negotiating positions.
Since Trump unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord in 2018, Iran has ramped up enrichment, now producing uranium at 60% purity — dangerously close to the 90% level required for weapons-grade material. The original deal had capped enrichment at 3.67%, with Iran’s stockpile limited to 300 kilograms.
The negotiations come amid rising tensions in the region, fueled by Israel’s warnings of unilateral military action if Iran appears close to developing a nuclear weapon. The ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has added urgency to these talks, as regional instability grows.
Back home, Iran is dealing with increasing pressure. The country’s rial currency has slightly recovered — strengthening from over 1 million to about 830,000 to the dollar — partly due to optimism surrounding the talks. Still, economic challenges remain steep, including speculation over potential fuel price hikes that have previously sparked mass protests.
Adding to the domestic turmoil, Iranian authorities have not fully explained a deadly explosion at Shahid Rajaei port on April 26, which killed dozens and injured over a thousand. The blast has been linked to a shipment of missile fuel components — raising concerns about Iran’s broader military ambitions.
Iranian media have also reported that President Trump sent a letter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei through an Emirati diplomat. Dated March 5 and delivered on March 12, the message reportedly gave Iran a two-month deadline to reach a deal — meaning that deadline coincides with Trump’s departure from Washington this week for a regional tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
As Iran continues to grapple with unrest over the mandatory hijab law and other domestic challenges, the outcome of these talks could have broad implications both at home and abroad. While both sides have signaled interest in continuing the dialogue, reaching an agreement will require compromise on fundamental issues — with little time left on the diplomatic clock.
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