Washington DC [US]: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the United States and Iran have begun direct negotiations, hosted by Oman, aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Leavitt revealed that President Donald Trump spoke with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said on Tuesday (local time), thanking him for facilitating the high-stakes diplomatic breakthrough.
“The maximum pressure campaign on Iran continues,” said Leavitt at the White House Press Briefing. “But as you know, the President has made it clear—he wants to see dialogue and discussion with Iran, while also making his directive about Iran never being able to obtain nuclear weapons quite clear.”
She shared details from the President’s call with the Sultan of Oman, during which Trump thanked Oman for hosting the first direct meeting between US and Iranian delegations and reiterated the importance of resolving Iran’s nuclear program through negotiations.
Leavitt also addressed tensions in the Red Sea, noting,
“The two leaders also discussed the United States’ ongoing operations against the Houthis and emphasised that the Houthis will pay a severe price until they end their attacks on maritime traffic.”
The next round of negotiations is scheduled for Saturday, involving US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iran’s representative.
“Since these are ongoing negotiations, I have nothing more to add to that,” Leavitt stated.
Separately, Ambassador Steve Witkoff took to X (formerly Twitter), affirming the administration’s red lines:
“A deal with Iran will only be completed if it is a Trump deal. Any final arrangement must set a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East—meaning that Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponisation program.”
Behind Closed Doors in Oman
The recent discussions in Muscat marked a rare moment of diplomacy between the long-feuding nations. While held indirectly, the talks were described as “constructive” and “respectful”, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi acting as mediator. Delegates were seated in separate rooms, with messages shuttled between them by Omani officials.
Leading the talks were US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to a White House statement, the outcome of the meeting was “positive and constructive,” with both sides agreeing to reconvene next Saturday.
Before the talks, President Trump issued a firm warning to Tehran:
“I want them not to have a nuclear weapon. I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country, but they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
— Trump, aboard Air Force One en route to Florida