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U.S. says Iran talks in Oman were "positive"; spokesperson emphasizes outcome over public statements
Summary
The State Department described recent talks between Ambassador Stephen Witkoff and Iran as constructive and stressed that officials will judge progress by written agreements rather than public comments about enrichment levels.
The State Department said talks between Ambassador Stephen Witkoff and Iranian officials in Oman were ‘‘very positive and constructive,’’ and that the sides agreed to meet again next Saturday, a spokesperson said at a press briefing.
The spokesperson read and attributed lines to Ambassador Witkoff, quoting him as saying ‘‘a deal with Iran will only be completed if it is a Trump deal’’ and that any final arrangement must address Iran's nuclear enrichment and weaponization programs. When asked about variations between Witkoff's public comments—one interview referencing keeping enrichment below 3.67% and another calling for elimination of enrichment—the spokesperson declined to parse statements and urged reporters to focus on outcomes. "What matters is what is accomplished, what the end result will be," the spokesperson said, adding that no public negotiation transcript should be the sole basis for expectations.
The spokesperson repeated that the administration's core goal is that Iran not possess a nuclear weapon, and that ‘‘Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, or an enrichment program,’’ language attributed to the secretary and echoed by the spokesperson.
The briefing did not announce any negotiated agreement or specific concessions; the spokesperson described the next meeting as a continuation of talks and said further details would be released when available.
Ending: Department officials asked the media to wait for formal outcomes and documents rather than interpret individual public remarks as definitive negotiating positions.
