Iran urges 'mutual respect' as talks with US in Oman begin

The talks between the USand Iranover Tehran's nuclear program in Oman have come to a conclusion, Iranian state media reported.

Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the talks were held in a "very good atmosphere," and that negotiators will now take the information back to their respective leaderships.

Araghchi added that the two countries agreed to continue with the negotiations.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Iranshould engage in serious negotiations with the US.

According to Merz, who is currently on a state visit in Abu Dhabi, "intensive diplomatic efforts" are being made to bring Iran to stop its hostilities against its own population and end its nuclear program, with peace and stability in the region being the goal.

Tehran should come "to its senses," Merz concluded.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi — who leads Iran's delegation in the negotiations in Oman — had previously voiced hopes a change in power would take place in Berlin, blaming Merz for "political naivete" and having a "distasteful character."

The US Virtual Embassy in Tehran has told US citizens to leave Iran with immediate effect.

"US citizens should expect continued internet outages, plan alternative means of communication, and, if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Türkiye," the Embassy said on its website, also saying flight cancelations are possible on short notice.

According to the US government, US-Iranian dual nationals should leave the country using their Iranian passports, as Iran does not recognize dual nationality.

Those who are not able to leave are recommended to "find a secure location" in their own residence or another safe building and have enough supply of water, food and medications. 

Keeping low profile and avoiding demonstrations is also recommended.

The warning comes as US and Iranian representatives meet in Oman over Tehran's nuclear project.

China said it opposes "unilateral bullying" ahead of the nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran in Oman.

In a statement, China's Foreign Ministry said the country supports Iran in "safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity" as well as Tehran's "legitimate rights and interests."

This comes after a meeting by deputy foreign ministers from both countries took place in Beijing on Thursday.

The talks between Iranand the  USover Tehran's nuclear deal have started in Oman, Iranian state TV reported.

This is the first time the two countries hold talks after the US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities during Iran's war with Israel in June 2025.

Ahead of the talks, Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country is ready to defend itself against "excessive demands or adventurism" by the US.

Tehran will use diplomacy to secure its national interests, Araghchi said during a meeting with Omani counterpart Badr al-Busaidi.

Ahead of the talks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said US President Donald Trump — whom she labeled "the commander-in-chief of the most powerful military in the history of the world" — has "many options at his disposal, apart from diplomacy."

Trump himself said "bad things" could happen if a deal over the country's nuclear program is not reached.

Representatives from Iran and the US will hold talks in Oman over Tehran's nuclear program.

The US will be represented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, with US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner traveling with him to the Middle East. 

On the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and a host of diplomats arrived in Oman last night, state-run news agency IRNA reported.

"Iran enters diplomacy with open eyes and a steady memory of the past year," Araghchi posted on his X account, adding that commitments need to be honored.

"Equal standing, mutual respect and mutual interest are not rhetoric — they are a must and the pillars of a durable agreement."

Araghchi met his Omani counterpart Badr al-Busaidi ahead of the talks, with the two reportedly discussing regional and international issues.

Oman mediated between Iran and the US as the two countries held negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program in 2025 until the 12-day war with Israel broke out.

Welcome to our coverage of talks between US and Iranian officials in Oman. 

DW will bring you the latest developments related to the dialogue, along with multimedia content and insight from DW journalists and experts-

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