US-Iran nuclear talks in Rome may extend into Sunday – Al Mayadeen

Oman has long served as a discreet and trusted intermediary between Tehran and Washington. Its role dates back to the early 2010s, when Muscat hosted secret backchannel talks that ultimately led to the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA).

The United States also sees Oman as a discreet and stable mediator with a history of hosting secret talks with Tehran.

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Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Saturday that indirect nuclear talks with the United States were underway in Rome, with both sides seated in separate rooms and Oman’s foreign minister as the mediator.

“The indirect negotiations between Iran and the US began at the Omani ambassador’s residence, with the Omani foreign minister present,” Baghaei said.

He added that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met earlier with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani. “We expressed our appreciation to Italy, and the Italian side thanked Iran for the opportunity given to Italy,” Baghaei said.

International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said on Saturday he met with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome, praising Italy’s growing diplomatic role at a “critical moment” for peace efforts.

“I welcome Italy’s constructive and increasingly relevant role in support of peace at a critical moment when diplomacy is much needed,” Grossi wrote on X.

Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also held talks with Tajani, shortly before heading to US-Iran indirect nuclear negotiations now underway at the Omani embassy in Rome.

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said will visit Moscow on Monday, the Omani state news agency reported, as Muscat-mediated nuclear talks between Iran and the United States got underway in Rome on Saturday.

The visit will focus on bilateral cooperation and discussions on regional and international issues, the agency said, without offering further details.