Nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in Oman on Sunday without a major breakthrough but with both sides expressing cautious optimism and committing to continue the diplomatic process.

The meeting marked the fourth and most recent round of high-level discussions between the two longtime adversaries, the first such sustained engagement since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018 during President Donald Trump’s first term. Talks resumed nearly a month ago and have been described by officials as the most substantive since the collapse of the original deal.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei described Sunday’s discussions as “difficult but useful,” adding that they helped both sides “better understand each other’s positions” and explore “reasonable and realistic” paths forward. The United States, speaking through a senior official who requested anonymity, echoed that sentiment, saying it was “encouraged” by the outcome and anticipates another round of talks in the near future.

Oman, which has played a mediating role throughout the process, will coordinate and announce the date for the next session.

Sunday’s meeting, which lasted over three hours and included both direct and indirect exchanges, focused heavily on uranium enrichment — a core sticking point. Tehran insists its right to enrich uranium is “non-negotiable,” while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has repeatedly said that dismantling Iran’s enrichment capability is a “red line” for Washington.

Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 percent purity — far above the 3.67 percent limit set under the 2015 deal, but below the 90 percent threshold for weapons-grade material. The country has consistently denied it is seeking nuclear weapons, framing its enrichment program as purely peaceful.

The timing of the talks coincides with a flurry of regional diplomacy. President Trump is preparing for a major Middle East tour next week, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently returned from visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Despite the lack of concrete results, analysts say the resumption of dialogue is a meaningful step. “A breakthrough will take time,” said Yousuf Al Bulushi of the Muscat Policy Council. “But this level of contact is a good sign — if both sides can move past the posturing.”

Meanwhile, Israel continues to voice opposition to the negotiations. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warned on Sunday, “Iran is the most dangerous state in the world… and must not be allowed to obtain the world’s most dangerous weapon.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)