Iran, US indirect talks held in Oman

Muscat: Iranian and American officials engaged in indirect talks in Oman last month.

Omani officials served as intermediaries, according to the sources briefed on the matter.

The "proximity talks" mark the first known indirect engagement between the US and Iran in several months and took place amidst rising concerns in the White House over Iran's nuclear advancements.

Previously, White House Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk secretly traveled to Oman on May 8 for discussions with Omani officials regarding potential diplomatic outreach to Iran concerning its nuclear program.

Concurrently, an Iranian delegation, including Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran's top nuclear negotiator, arrived in Oman.

The sources indicate that McGurk and the Iranian officials did not meet directly but were situated in separate locations, with Omani officials shuttling between them to relay messages.

The United States emphasized deterrence in its messages, warning that Iran would face severe consequences if it pursued 90% uranium enrichment, the level required for nuclear weapon production.