Chicago – February 06, 2026
Iranian officials have described their latest indirect negotiations with the United States in Oman as constructive, though the discussions failed to produce a clear framework to ease rising concerns over a potential US military strike.
The talks, held in Muscat on Friday, were led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The US delegation included special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, and US Central Command chief General Brad Cooper, the most senior American military commander in the Middle East.
Speaking to Iranian state television after the meeting, Araghchi said the talks represented “a positive beginning,” but stressed that decisions on future rounds would only be made after consultations with leadership in both capitals.
Despite the optimistic tone, Araghchi cautioned that negotiations are taking place amid a serious atmosphere of mutual distrust. He referenced recent US military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, carried out when Washington briefly joined Israel during its 12-day conflict with Iran in June. Those strikes occurred just days before a previously planned sixth round of indirect talks.
Oman played a key mediating role throughout the discussions. Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi met separately with both delegations multiple times, relaying messages and facilitating dialogue between the sides.
Al Busaidi said the talks helped clarify the positions of both Iran and the United States and highlighted potential areas for progress. He added that the goal is to bring the parties back to the table again in the near future.
