ISTANBUL

Oman's foreign minister held separate talks with US and Iranian officials on Friday as part of Omani-mediated indirect US-Iran talks towards resuming a diplomatic path, the country’s Foreign Ministry confirmed.

Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi's separate consultations with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, the US president's special envoy for the Middle East, "focused on creating favorable conditions for the resumption of diplomatic and technical negotiations," the ministry said on US social media company X.

The importance of the discussions was also highlighted "in light of the parties’ commitment to ensuring their success in order to achieve sustainable security and stability," it added.

Al Busaidi also reiterated Oman’s commitment to continuing its support for dialogue and for bringing the parties closer together, and to working with various partners to reach consensual political solutions that align with the desired goals and aspirations.

He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of regional countries supporting these talks, the ministry added.

During Friday's negotiations, Iran is represented by a delegation headed by Araghchi. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Araghchi is accompanied by Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Foreign Ministry deputy for political affairs; Esmaeil Baghaei, ministry spokesperson; Hamid Ghanbari, ministry deputy for economic affairs; and other Iranian diplomats.

According to US officials, Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and unofficial aide, are representing the United States in the talks.

The talks come amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, fueled by an American military buildup in the Persian Gulf and repeated threats of military action by US President Donald Trump.

In recent days, several other countries, including Türkiye, have stepped in and offered to mediate between Tehran and Washington to ease tensions.