Iran and the United States have agreed to hold another round of talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme next week.

The first round of indirect negotiations between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Washington’s President Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff concluded in the Omani capital of Muscat where Oman is serving as a mediator.

In a statement, Araghchi’s office said that the sides exchanges views about Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme, specifically the removal of “illegal” sanctions against the country.

Speaking on the sidelines of the negotiations, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that Iran has one “very clear” objective in the talks and that is to secure its national interests.

Baghaei added that it’s giving diplomacy a sincere and honest opportunity so that through these negotiations, it can advance not only the nuclear issue but more importantly lifting sanctions.