Iran, US to resume nuclear discussions

TOP Iranian and US negotiators resumed talks yesterday to address disputes over Tehran's nuclear programme, Iranian state media reported, in a push for progress as Washington hardens its stance ahead of US President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit.

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Though Tehran and Washington both have said they prefer diplomacy to resolve the decades-long dispute, they remain deeply divided on several red lines that negotiators will have to circumvent to reach a new nuclear deal and avert future military action.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will hold the fourth round of talks in Muscat through Omani mediators, despite Washington taking a tough stance in public that Iranian officials said would not help the negotiations.

Araqchi, before departing for Muscat, told Iranian state TV that “Iran has well-known positions based on clear principles... We hope to reach a decisive stance in Sunday’s meeting”.

He added that Iran's expert team was in Oman and “will be consulted if necessary”.