Positive atmosphere following first Iran-US meeting in Oman

The United States and Iran exchanged direct words for the first time in years during nuclear talks in Muscat, a cautious but symbolically significant step in what both sides described as “constructive” negotiations aimed at reviving diplomacy.Before the talks began on April 12, uncertainty lingered over their format, with the United States announcing direct negotiations, an assertion denied by the Iranians, who insisted they would remain indirect.After nearly two and a half hours and four rounds of oral and written messages relayed by Oman’s foreign minister, a brief exchange also took place between the chief negotiators from Washington and Tehran in Muscat.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was quick to stress that the interaction with U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was limited to polite greetings in the presence of his Omani...