ISTANBUL

Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, held talks in Oman on Tuesday, days after the conclusion of the first round of nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

An Omani Foreign Ministry statement said Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met with Larijani and discussed the latest developments in the Iran-US negotiations and “pathways to achieve a balanced and equitable agreement for all parties.”

The discussions also addressed “the critical importance of resuming dialogue and returning to the negotiating table to bridge perspectives and resolve outstanding differences through peaceful means,” the statement said.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA said Larijani’s talks with Sultan Haitham took place in a "constructive" and "positive" climate, addressing ways to boost bilateral cooperation.

Larijani also met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi during his visit, the agency said, without giving further details.

The Iranian official’s visit comes as Iran and the US prepare for the next round of nuclear negotiations, which resumed in Muscat on Friday after nearly eight months of suspension.

The indirect negotiations between the two countries were halted following a US-backed Israeli attack on Iran that triggered a 12-day war last June, during which the US targeted three key Iranian nuclear sites.

Tension has escalated between Washington and Tehran, fueled by an American military buildup in the Persian Gulf and repeated threats of military action by President Donald Trump.