Muscat – According to online media reports, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei has confirmed that the second round of talks will take place in Muscat this Saturday, following the initial round held in the Omani capital last week.

The confirmation puts to rest speculation that other locations, such as Rome, might have been chosen for the follow-up discussions. Baghaei, speaking to the Iranian News Agency (IRNA), stated, “After consultations, it was decided that Muscat will also host the second round of these negotiations.”
The negotiations, which are being mediated by Oman, come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. The dialogue is focused on Iran’s nuclear programme and the potential lifting of US-imposed sanctions.

The first round, held last Saturday, featured a delegation led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witcoff. Iranian officials described the initial talks as “constructive” and carried out “in a spirit of mutual respect.”

Alongside Araghchi, the Iranian negotiating team includes senior diplomats such as Deputy Foreign Ministers Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi, as well as Baghaei himself.

Although the talks remain indirect – with the Omani Foreign Ministry facilitating the exchange of verbal and written messages between both sides – the discussions mark a significant development after months of diplomatic deadlock.

The negotiations follow renewed pressure from the Trump administration, which has signalled a hardline stance and demanded a revamped nuclear agreement to replace the 2015 deal. President Trump has also warned of military and economic consequences should Iran fail to comply.

Despite refusing direct engagement, Iran has agreed to continue these indirect talks under Oman’s mediation. According to IRNA, the two sides have agreed to reconvene in Muscat this weekend, expressing cautious optimism about the path ahead.