US, Iran Report Progress in Nuclear Talks, Oman Says Deal ‘Within Reach’
WASHINGTON D.C. – Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program have yielded “significant progress,” according to Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, raising hopes for a diplomatic resolution as tensions in the Middle East remain high.
Al Busaidi described the recent talks as “really advanced, substantially,” and emphasized the need to allow diplomacy to continue. He revealed a key breakthrough: an agreement from Iran not to stockpile enriched uranium. “If the ultimate objective is to ensure forever that Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, I think we have cracked that problem,” he said in an interview with CBS News following the third round of indirect talks brokered by Oman in Geneva on Thursday.
The Omani diplomat stated that Iran has agreed to limit its current nuclear material stockpiles, converting them into fuel in a process designed to be “irreversible.” He added that “full and comprehensive verification” would be carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
While acknowledging ongoing discussions regarding Iran’s missile program, Al Busaidi indicated Iran is “open to discuss everything.” He expressed hope that the progress made would be sufficient to avert military conflict, stating, “I hope so.”
The positive assessment comes despite skepticism from US President Donald Trump, who on Friday said he was “not exactly happy with the way they’re negotiating,” and urged Iran to “make a deal.” Trump also reiterated the possibility of military action, saying, “sometimes you have to do it.”
Further negotiations are scheduled to take place Monday in Vienna, Austria. Al Busaidi believes a comprehensive agreement could be reached “amicably and comprehensively” within a few months, emphasizing that “a deal is in our hands.”
Oman’s foreign minister met with US Vice President JD Vance on Friday as Middle East tensions rise, underscoring the urgency of the diplomatic efforts.
