Iran, US set for further talks on nuclear programme next week

Iran and the United States will continue negotiations next week over Tehran’s fast-developing nuclear programme, Iranian state television announced on Saturday. This update followed the first face-to-face talks between the two sides since the new Trump administration.Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and US mideast envoy Steve Witkoff exchanged brief words in the presence of Oman’s foreign minister on the outskirts of Oman, marking a rare such communication between two nations with nearly five decades of strained ties.A statement from Washington described the talks as "very positive and constructive." Witkoff reportedly told Araghchi that he was under direct orders from president Trump to seek a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict."These issues are very complicated, and special envoy Witkoff's direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome," the statement said.Iranian official Baghaei appeared on state TV and acknowledged the discussions. He stressed Iran’s objective—to protect its national interest—through genuine diplomatic engagement. He added that this was just the beginning and that both countries were using the Omani mediator to lay down their initial positions."We are giving a genuine and honest opportunity to diplomacy, so that through dialogue, we can move forward on the nuclear issue on one hand, and more importantly for us, the lifting of sanctions."