Muscat: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei announced that Iran and the United States have agreed on a "general framework" for upcoming negotiations aimed at the removal of "illegal sanctions." This development follows the first round of indirect discussions, which took place in Muscat on Saturday.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the talks were mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi and involved four rounds of exchanges between the two nations. Baqaei emphasized that the discussions were constructive and conducted in a respectful atmosphere. He reiterated Iran's stance on its nuclear program, highlighting that the country has consistently adhered to its commitments, despite the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.

Baqaei confirmed that both sides had exchanged general frameworks and conditions during the initial meeting. The discussions involved top negotiators from Iran and the U.S. conveying their respective governments' viewpoints through Oman's foreign minister.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who led the delegation, praised Al Busaidi's role in facilitating the negotiations. Araqchi mentioned that a second round of indirect talks is scheduled for next week, though it may not take place in Muscat. However, Oman will continue to mediate the discussions. Araqchi stressed the importance of advancing talks towards a mutually acceptable agreement, acknowledging the challenges ahead but expressing determination to move forward.