WANA (Feb 22) – Amid ongoing media speculation over the timing and venue of renewed contacts between Tehran and Washington, Muscat has officially confirmed a new date—one that could mark a fresh phase in one of the most complex diplomatic files in recent years.

 

Badr Albusaidi, Oman’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced Sunday evening on X that the next round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States “is now scheduled to take place in Geneva this Thursday.” Expressing satisfaction with the development, he added that he was also “pleased that positive efforts are being made to take further steps toward finalizing an agreement.”

 

According to Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also held a telephone conversation on Sunday with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi to discuss the latest developments in the indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States.

 

During the call, the two sides also consulted on arrangements for the upcoming round of nuclear talks.

 

Oman has long played the role of intermediary between Tehran and Washington and has been actively involved in previous rounds of indirect negotiations. Observers attribute Muscat’s mediation role to its balanced foreign policy and working relations with both sides. Oman is expected to continue serving as facilitator in the upcoming round.

 

Before Muscat’s official confirmation, conflicting media reports had circulated regarding the date of the meeting. The U.S.-based outlet Axios initially reported that the talks would be held on Friday in Geneva. However, Barak Ravid, a journalist with the outlet, later cited a U.S. official on X as saying the negotiations were scheduled for Thursday—a timeline that now aligns with Oman’s announcement.

 

In Tehran, officials have also confirmed the date. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, told CBS News: “We will meet with the American side in Geneva on Thursday.”

 

While the timing and location have now been confirmed, details regarding the agenda, the level of delegations, and the scope of discussions remain undisclosed. Still, Oman’s reference to “further steps toward finalizing an agreement” suggests that, at least rhetorically, the parties aim to move beyond crisis management toward more tangible outcomes.

 

All eyes are now on Thursday, as diplomats and observers await signs of whether this round of talks can progress beyond limited indirect engagement and potentially reshape the trajectory of Iran–U.S. relations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Heads to Indirect Nuclear Talks Venue in Muscat. Social media / WANA News Agency

Iranian Foreign Minister Heads to Indirect Nuclear Talks Venue in Muscat. Social media / WANA News Agency