Iran has confirmed that the second round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States will take place this Saturday in Muscat, underscoring Oman’s continued role as a trusted mediator in regional diplomacy.

Speaking to the state-run IRNA news agency late on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that, following consultations, the two parties had agreed to reconvene in the Omani capital, which also hosted the first round of talks last Saturday.

There had been speculation in international media, particularly in the United States, that Rome might host the next phase of discussions. However, Tehran has now dismissed those reports.

Constructive atmosphere in first round

The first round of talks, mediated by Oman, took place amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington following Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency. Although the negotiations remain indirect, officials said they were held in a “constructive atmosphere based on mutual respect.”

Iran’s delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, alongside senior diplomats Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Kazem Gharibabadi, and Esmaeil Baghaei. The US is represented by Steve Witcoff, the Special Representative for the Middle East.

The discussions are focused on reviving or replacing the 2015 nuclear deal, which the US unilaterally withdrew from in 2018. President Trump has issued new threats of military action and sanctions should Tehran fail to agree to a new arrangement aimed at curbing its nuclear activities.

Oman’s role as Mediator

Oman has long served as a neutral ground for backchannel diplomacy in the Gulf, with its discreet and balanced foreign policy earning it respect across regional and global divides.

While Iran continues to reject direct negotiations with the United States, the decision to pursue indirect talks—facilitated by Oman—is seen as a cautious step toward de-escalation.

During the first round in Muscat, the two lead negotiators, Araghchi and Witcoff, reportedly had a brief exchange, albeit from separate rooms, after two and a half hours of indirect discussions.

The upcoming round is expected to delve deeper into the technical aspects of Iran’s nuclear programme and explore possible frameworks for a new deal.