MUSCAT, April 13, 2025 – The United States and Iran held the first round of indirect talks in the pursuit of an agreement to reach common ground on nuclear diplomacy, and the venue was Muscat, Oman. The meeting was called “constructive” by both sides, reviving the expectations that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that had been terminated in 2018 after the U.S. decided to quit will come back to life.

US and Iran: Diplomacy Regains its Power

The discussions, with Omani and European representatives as mediators, saw ambassadors of Washington and Tehran submitting views for exchange through intermediaries. Although no major revolution was reported, there was a “positive environment,” and negotiators were ready to proceed with further negotiations in the weeks to come.

Nasser Kanaani, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, reportedly said the discussions were of a “sober and earnest” nature, insisting on the elimination of approvals and solid guarantees from the opposite side as Tehran’s key claims. Iran also hinted at it being agreeable to returning to the non-nuclear advances towards a practical move if the US were to do so.

Referencing the US Department of State confirming the meeting as “fruitful,” it became evident that they are willing to engage in a step-by-step agreement. Washington is pushing for immediate limits on Iran’s uranium enhancement, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warns is developing the capabilities of being weapons-grade.

The restart of the diplomatic process is occurring within the climate of significantly increased anxiety internationally about the stability of the region, particularly after the Red Sea and Gaza witnessed the rising of tension. Wonders of neutrality, Oman has played a major role in the restoration of the talks’ life after the months and months of an ineffective political nature.

The decision has been highly appreciated by global leaders, for example, the European Union and China, who have called on both parties to keep up the positive pace. Despite a lack of complete certainty, the analysts are of the opinion that the revival of cooperative policies is a golden chance to decrease tensions and pull the international community back to the realization of nuclear non-proliferation commitments.

More negotiations will likely take place this month while viewers pay close attention to any indications that things are moving in the right direction.