US and Iranian Negotiating Teams Meet for Nuclear Talks in Oman Amid Protests.
A negotiating team led by US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner has met with an Iranian delegation, marking a resumption of nuclear talks between the two countries. The meeting took place on Friday in Muscat, Oman, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to escalate following mass protests in Iran.
According to reports, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said any commitments made by both sides would need to be honored. He emphasized the importance of "equal standing, mutual respect, and mutual interest," adding that these were not just words but essential pillars for a durable agreement.
The White House had sought assistance from regional allies in bringing Iran back to the negotiating table. The US delegation has been vocal about their concerns regarding the Iranian leadership, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that there is "no other country where there's a bigger difference between the people who lead the country and the people who live there."
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Tehran warned its citizens on Thursday to leave Iran if possible. The embassy posted a security alert advising Americans to find secure locations within their residences or other safe buildings.
These talks come after weeks of escalating tensions between the US and Iran, fueled by massive protests that have plagued Iran since late December. The protesters initially responded to the collapse of the Iranian currency and worsening economic conditions but soon took on a more political tone, with crowds calling for regime change.
In January, Trump voiced his concern over the protests, saying he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the violence stopped. He later warned Tehran that another US attack would be "far worse" than any previous strike on Iran's nuclear sites. The Iranian foreign minister responded by stating that its military was ready to take action.
The resumption of nuclear talks marks an attempt to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have been rising following the protests in Iran.
A negotiating team led by US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner has met with an Iranian delegation, marking a resumption of nuclear talks between the two countries. The meeting took place on Friday in Muscat, Oman, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to escalate following mass protests in Iran.
According to reports, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said any commitments made by both sides would need to be honored. He emphasized the importance of "equal standing, mutual respect, and mutual interest," adding that these were not just words but essential pillars for a durable agreement.
The White House had sought assistance from regional allies in bringing Iran back to the negotiating table. The US delegation has been vocal about their concerns regarding the Iranian leadership, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that there is "no other country where there's a bigger difference between the people who lead the country and the people who live there."
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Tehran warned its citizens on Thursday to leave Iran if possible. The embassy posted a security alert advising Americans to find secure locations within their residences or other safe buildings.
These talks come after weeks of escalating tensions between the US and Iran, fueled by massive protests that have plagued Iran since late December. The protesters initially responded to the collapse of the Iranian currency and worsening economic conditions but soon took on a more political tone, with crowds calling for regime change.
In January, Trump voiced his concern over the protests, saying he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the violence stopped. He later warned Tehran that another US attack would be "far worse" than any previous strike on Iran's nuclear sites. The Iranian foreign minister responded by stating that its military was ready to take action.
The resumption of nuclear talks marks an attempt to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have been rising following the protests in Iran.