Iran, Saudi Arabia Discuss U.S. Nuclear Talks Amid Regional Diplomatic Outreach

(MENAFN) Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, held a phone conversation on Monday to discuss the ongoing Oman-mediated "indirect" negotiations between Tehran and Washington, according to a statement from Iran's Foreign Ministry.

The two diplomats also exchanged views on bilateral relations and developments in the region and globally. Araghchi briefed Al Saud on his recent meeting in Muscat with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, where discussions centered on Iran’s nuclear program and the potential easing of U.S. sanctions.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry also revealed that the next round of these indirect talks is anticipated to take place on Saturday in a European country.

This outreach to Saudi Arabia is part of a broader diplomatic effort by Iran to brief regional partners on the progress of the negotiations. Over the past two days, Araghchi has also spoken with the foreign ministers of Bahrain, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Egypt to provide updates.

The Muscat talks are a continuation of diplomatic efforts that followed a letter from then-U.S. President Donald Trump in March, delivered via the UAE, which offered negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. Tehran acknowledged receipt of the letter and indicated its willingness to engage in indirect dialogue.

These discussions represent renewed attempts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, under which Iran agreed to curtail its nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions. The agreement has been fragile since the U.S. withdrew from it in 2018 under the Trump administration and subsequently reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to gradually reduce its adherence to the deal's commitments.

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