However, media reports from Iran suggested that significant differences remain between the two sides.
According to Iranian state media, Tehran has reiterated that it will not agree to halt uranium enrichment or move the programme offshore, rejecting a key demand from Washington during talks held on Friday between senior US and Iranian officials. Despite the gap, both sides have indicated a willingness to continue diplomacy in an effort to avoid a military confrontation. A Wall Street Journal report cited Iranian officials as saying negotiations would continue, even as core disagreements persist.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was quoted by state media as warning of retaliation if the United States were to carry out a military strike against Iran. He said any such action would lead Tehran to target US military bases in the Middle East, potentially escalating tensions across the region. “We do not attack neighbouring countries; we target American bases,” Araghchi said, according to Iranian media, adding that a US attack would risk drawing the entire region into conflict.
Indirect talks between Iran and the United States on the future of Iran’s nuclear programme concluded on Friday with what both sides described as an understanding to continue pursuing a diplomatic path. The discussions were facilitated by Oman, which has played a mediating role between Washington and Tehran.
Araghchi described the eight-hour round of meetings as a “good start” conducted in a positive atmosphere, while stressing that further progress would depend on consultations in both capitals and an end to threats. Trump earlier described the talks as “very good” and said another meeting could take place early next week. He also warned that failure to reach an agreement would carry “very steep” consequences.
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