By Ramesh Bhan 

New Delhi, Feb 6 (.) Iran and the United States concluded their day of negotiations in Oman on Friday evening with both sides agreeing to continue the talks.

The new round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Muscat ended on Friday afternoon. The talks could continue in the coming days, the Iranian TV said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the talks were a good beginning, and the continuation depended on the capitals.

Iran’s MEHR News Agency (MNA) quoted Araghchi as saying, “There was agreement on the continuation of the talks, the manner and date will be determined later.”

“It was agreed to continue the talks, but the time, place and manner will be decided in the capitals.”

‘’Several rounds of meetings were held today, our points of view and concerns were conveyed, and the issues were discussed in a very good atmosphere. Overall, it was a good start, but its continuation depends on consultations in the capitals,” Araghchi said.

“We had intensive and long talks. Several meetings were held indirectly from 10 am to 6 pm,” he said, according to MNA.

The Iranian Foreign Minister, who arrived in Oman earlier Friday morning for the crucial talks, said before the talks that Iran will engage in good faith and enter diplomacy with open eyes and a steady memory of the past year.

Immediately after arriving in Oman, Araghchi said commitments need to be honoured, and equal standing, mutual respect and mutual interest are not rhetoric but a must and pillars of a durable government.

‘’Iran enters diplomacy with open eyes and a steady memory of the past year. We engage in good faith and stand firm on our rights. Commitments need to be honoured. Equal standing, mutual respect and mutual interest are not rhetoric—they are a must and the pillars of a durable agreement,’’ Araghchi said on X.

He also warned against any US excessive demands. Referring to Iran’s approach of using diplomacy to safeguard national interests, Araghchi emphasised full readiness to defend the country’s sovereignty and national security against any excessive demands or acts of adventurism.

The US delegation included Steve Witkoff, the US President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law and Advisor. The US delegation had arrived in Oman a few hours before the Iranian delegation.

Araghchi is accompanied by Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Deputy for Political Affairs; Esmaeil Baghaei, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson and Hamid Ghanbari and other officials.

Araghchi’s comments follow the US Advisory to its nationals in Iran to ‘’leave Iran now.’’

The Advisory said US citizens should plan alternative means of communication and, if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Turkey.

“Flight cancellations and disruptions are possible with little warning. Check directly with your airlines for updates. If you cannot leave, find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items. Avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings,” the advisory said.

Iran’s official news agency IRNA said Araghchi had met with his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi in Muscat ahead of a serious round of ‘’indirect talks’’ with the United States. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the Iran-US nuclear negotiations.

Referring to Iran’s approach of employing diplomacy to secure Iran’s national interests, while maintaining full readiness to defend the country’s sovereignty and national security against any excessive demands and adventurism, Araghchi expressed appreciation for Oman’s hosting and its benevolent efforts (good offices) in this regard.

The Foreign Ministry of Oman said on X “Within the framework of the Sultanate of Oman hosting negotiations related to the Iranian nuclear file,’’ the Omani Foreign Minister held separate consultations with the Iranian and American delegations on creating the proper conditions for the resumption of diplomatic and technical negotiations, while emphasizing their importance given the parties’ interest in the success of these talks to achieve lasting security and stability.

While today’s specific sessions have ended, the broader diplomatic process remains active. Following the session, Witkoff began consultations with Oman’s Foreign Minister, who is acting as the primary mediator.

These remain indirect talks. Reports said Iran presented a “preliminary plan” focused on managing current tensions and nuclear issues.

However, significant friction remains as the U.S. seeks a broader agreement covering ballistic missiles and regional proxies, while Iran insists on a narrow focus only on the nuclear program.

Iranian State media had previously indicated that these sessions are considered the “first stage” of a longer diplomatic effort aimed at preventing further military escalation following the June 2025 conflict.

China has affirmed its support for Iran in defending its interests. China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing “supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, national dignity, and legitimate rights and interests”.

Kremlin also welcomed the Oman talks. “We welcome the talks. We would like these talks to be productive and lead to de-escalation of tensions in the region,” Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

. RB 2125