US, Iran begin 'indirect' talks over Tehran's nuclear programme

Iran said on Saturday it has started "indirect talks" with the United States in Oman over nuclear issues and a potential removal of what Tehran says are "unjust and illegal" sanctions against it.
In a post on social media, Iran's foreign ministry said the talks are being held between the Islamic Republic's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East. The two are leading the delegations of their respective nations.
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"Indirect talks between foreign minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Araghchi and the US special envoy to the Middle East Steven Witkoff, began with the mediation of Omani foreign minister Badr Albusaidi," the post read.

"These talks will be held at a location scheduled by the Omani host, with representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States seated in separate rooms, and the parties will convey their positions and points of view to each other through the Omani Foreign Minister," it added.
No overall agreement is likely between the two sides, according to news agency AP.

Witkoff arrived in Oman's capital Muscat after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.
Speaking to Iranian journalists before the meeting, Araghchi said, "If there is sufficient will on both sides, we will decide on a timetable. But it is still too early to talk about that. What is clear now is that the negotiations are indirect, and in our view only on the nuclear issue, and will be conducted with the necessary will to reach an agreement that is on an equal footing and leads to securing the national interests of the Iranian people."
On the other hand, both Trump and Witkoff have described the talks as being “direct.” The US president has even threatened Iran with "grave danger" should the talks collapse.
While the US can offer sanctions relief for Iran’s struggling economy, it remains unclear just how much Tehran will be willing to concede. Under the

2015 nuclear deal

, Iran could only maintain a small stockpile of uranium enriched to 3.67 per cent. Today, its stockpile could allow it to build multiple nuclear weapons if it so chooses and it has some material enriched up to 60 per cent, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Judging from negotiations since Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the deal in 2018, Iran will likely ask to keep enriching uranium up to at least 20 per cent.