State Department: technical Iran talks set for Oman; Michael Anton to lead U.S. technical delegation

The State Department said Friday that technical talks aimed at resolving outstanding nuclear‑related issues with Iran are scheduled to take place in Oman on Saturday and that Michael Anton, the department’s director of policy planning, will head the U.S. technical delegation.

A spokesperson said the International Atomic Energy Agency plans to send a team to Iran and that Saturday’s meetings will mark “the first meeting of technical teams.” The spokesperson added that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would also be present.

On whether the United States would accept an interim deal rather than a comprehensive agreement, the spokesperson reiterated the administration’s core position that “not acceptable is having a nuclear weapon” and said negotiators are focused on technical steps to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The spokesperson declined to discuss the details of proposals or to name other members of the delegation beyond Anton and the special envoy.

Reporters asked why Anton was chosen to lead the technical team; the spokesperson said only that “he’s there because he should be there” and declined to discuss the rest of the delegation on the record. The briefing said talks have been “positive and constructive” so far but added that negotiators have “a long way to go.”

The department did not provide text of proposed arrangements or indicate deadlines for a final settlement. The spokesperson emphasized that the talks involve detailed, person‑to‑person technical conversations and said public commentary can complicate sensitive negotiations.