UPDATE - Omani foreign minister says he looks forward to ‘decisive progress’ in coming days on US-Iran talks

​​​​​​​ADDS DETAILS, DECK, EDITS LEDE

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) - Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said Friday he looks forward to “further and decisive progress” in the coming days with indirect negotiations between the US and Iran, noting that talks have achieved “unprecedented” progress.

In comments posted on the US social media company X following the third round of indirect talks held Thursday in Geneva, Albusaidi said he met US Vice President JD Vance and shared details of the ongoing negotiations and the progress achieved so far.

“I am grateful for their engagement and look forward to further and decisive progress in the coming days. Peace is within our reach,” Albusaidi wrote.

He noted that the talks have produced achieved “major, important and unprecedented progress” that could form “the essential foundation for the desired agreement,” according to remarks that were also carried by Oman’s official news agency.

Albusaidi expressed deep appreciation for the serious efforts made by participating parties and the “creative and constructive ideas and proposals” put forward, which he said have helped narrow differences and bring viewpoints closer in pursuit of “an honorable agreement.”

He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to continuing efforts to support dialogue and facilitate convergence between the concerned parties, stressing Muscat’s belief that diplomatic engagement can offer solutions to outstanding issues.

Vance praised Oman’s “responsible role” and tangible mediation efforts, commending its sponsorship of the negotiations and contribution to enhancing prospects for understanding and addressing regional issues through diplomatic means.

On Thursday, a third round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US was held in Geneva under Omani mediation. A second round took place in Geneva on Feb. 18, following an initial round hosted by Oman on Feb. 6, after talks had stalled in the wake of Israeli and US attacks on Iran in June 2025.

Regional tensions have risen amid concerns that Washington, encouraged by Israel, could launch a military strike against Iran if no agreement is reached on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, while Israel is preparing for a potential Iranian response.

The US is demanding that Iran fully halt uranium enrichment, transfer enriched uranium abroad and abandon its ballistic missile program, while signaling that military force remains an option.

In recent weeks, the US has reinforced its military presence in the region and signaled the possibility of military action to pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear and missile programs and curb “its regional allies.”

Tehran has accused Washington and Israel of fabricating pretexts for intervention and regime change and has warned it would respond to any military attack, even if limited, while insisting that sanctions relief must accompany any restrictions on its nuclear program.