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The discussions in Muscat lasted only two hours.
The two delegations – Iran and the US – was in separate rooms, with Oman Experienced and respected Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, acts as host and in between.
The conciseness should not be read as a sign of failure – it must be seen as an opening law, a trust building exercise where both sides set out their starting positions and the ground lies for further discussions.
Read more: Iran says ‘indirect US talks’ about the nuclear program took place
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Iran: There is a ‘chance’ for nuclear deal
According to sources close to the meeting, I am told that it has exceeded expectations, and although no date has been agreed for a second round, the expectation is soon for another meeting – perhaps in a week.
In many ways, the talks were the easy thing on Saturday – establish dialogue, build some confidence and agree to meet again.
Further rounds will be much more complicated and possibly unpleasant.
Sources told Sky News the talks exceeded expectations. Photo: Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/AP
The initially stated positions of the two parties remain incompatible – total nuclear dissatisfaction with an insistence on the preservation of a civil nuclear program.
The negotiations, if they are successful, will become increasingly detailed, and it will require teams of experts and time.
Trump set a short window to reach an agreement, but if he is committed to getting one, he will have to be flexible and patient and at the same time have to be alive to delay tactics by Iran.
I expect Oman to continue to play an important role, showing that the long -standing policy of talking to all players is a rare commodity in an increasingly polarized world.
I want to warn that Iran has nothing to lose by discussing the success of this early exchange – it is not in Tehran’s interest to invade the talks at this stage.
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The Israelis, angry that these talks even take place, will be on the phone to the White House and warn that Iran deliberately pulls it out.
President Trump, rarely diplomatic, will undoubtedly comment soon – his analysis will be most revealing.
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