Delegations from Iran and the USA will meet once more this week after wrapping up “constructive” nuclear talks yesterday that included the primary direct contact between a Trump administration and Iranian official.
The talks, held in the Gulf Arab nation of Oman, got here with the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s fiery rhetoric towards Tehran and heightened fears that conflicts might deepen within the Center East.
Trump has threatened Iran with bombing if it doesn’t comply with a brand new nuclear pact and has given Tehran a two-month deadline to just accept a deal that will result in it shrinking its nuclear footprint or eliminating its program altogether.
To this point, either side is publicly projecting optimism.
Right here’s the place issues stand after yesterday’s talks:
What the US mentioned: The White Home solid the talks as a step in the appropriate route, saying “direct communication” between Trump’s Center East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Overseas Minister Abbas Araghchi, who spoke primarily by Omani mediators, was “very constructive and constructive.”
What Iran mentioned: Araghchi equally described the talks as “constructive,” telling state media, the primary spherical of talks “received very shut” to reaching a framework for negotiations.
“The environment in as we speak’s assembly was such that it ensured continuity and progress,” Araghchi instructed state broadcaster IRIB. He described a quick, parting interplay with Witkoff the place the 2 spoke instantly as a nice formality.
The 2 sides will meet once more: Iranian and US officers mentioned they plan to fulfill once more Saturday to renew discussions. That assembly is more likely to happen in Europe, a supply acquainted with the plans instructed CNN.
A little bit of perception on the timeline: A supply acquainted with the assembly instructed CNN there’s a perception the Trump administration needs to maneuver quick, and Witkoff needs to make a political determination to green-light a deal with out diving into extremely technical particulars that would gradual issues down.
