Description: US Special envoy Steve Witkoff alongside his delegation met with their Iranian counterparts for the third time in Oman’s capital Muskat. Anonymous sources from both camps have confirmed that negotiators have entered an enhanced phase of subject – focused discussions where concrete resolution proposals were allegedly discussed regarding Iran’s rapid uranium enrichment program. Positive signals regarding the third round of negotiations were also stated by US President Donald Trump and the Omani Foreign Minister Badr al – Busaidi who has stated that core objectives and technical concerns were addressed in the four – hour long discussions. Both sides are set to meet for the fourth time during next week where technical teams are expected to be presents which would discuss the details around Iran’s nuclear program.
Impact: Following the narrative line of the previous three meetings, the fourth encounter between US and Iran was once again scarce on details and portrayed as constructive and productive. Indications that specific details have been discussed suggest that both sides have started to wean off the broad negotiating strokes and started to directly approach each other with concrete proposals. The announcement regarding the inclusion of technical teams in the upcoming fourth round of negotiations exhibited strong political and diplomatic will from both sides to adopt a peaceful resolution to the dispute rather than resorting to military confrontation. Despite all the positive signals, the military buildup measures are still being increased, as both sides indirectly acquire assurances regarding their investment in the negotiations. In spite of having met three times, the negotiations are still in their initial phases and the fourth meeting would most probably mark another round of diplomatic posturing with the absence of concrete resolution proposals.