Omani mediator says progress in indirect Iran-US talks to resume Thursday

Oman's foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi said the United States and Iran will resume indirect nuclear talks in Geneva later Thursday and that negotiators have exchanged "creative and positive ideas."

Oman's foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, said the United States and Iran will resume indirect nuclear talks in Geneva later on Thursday. He described the exchanges so far as "creative and positive ideas" and said he hopes for more progress. Oman is mediating the discussions, which follow previous rounds after a June conflict that damaged Iranian nuclear sites. U.S. officials have said diplomacy is one option while other measures remain under consideration. Key details: - Oman is serving as mediator, and al-Busaidi said he would pass Iran's proposals to American officials. - The talks in Geneva are indirect exchanges between U.S. and Iranian delegations and are the third round since the June conflict. - Iranian negotiator Abbas Araghchi and a U.S. envoy, Steve Witkoff, have been channels for messages; images were published of Witkoff and Jared Kushner meeting with al-Busaidi. - The discussions are focused on Iran's nuclear program, with U.S. officials pressing to limit enrichment and Iran saying the talks should remain focused on nuclear issues. - The meetings have paused and resumed during the day; officials reported sessions lasting about three hours before breaks. Summary: The Geneva talks are a mediated effort to address concerns about Iran's nuclear activities against a backdrop of recent military actions and regional tensions. Officials say negotiations will continue later Thursday; the outcome and next steps are undetermined at this time.