Trump ready for dialogue with Iran, discusses issue with Omani sultan — White House

US President Donald Trump intends to hold dialogue with Iran and held a phone conversation on the matter with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a regular press briefing for journalists, Report informs via TASS.

"Of course, the maximum pressure campaign on Iran continues but, as you know, the president has made it clear, he wants to see dialogue and discussion with Iran while making his directive about Iran never being able to obtain a nuclear weapon quite clear. And the president spoke to the Sultan of Oman today who helped facilitate these talks. <...> He held a call with the Sultan of Oman today, and he thanked him for hosting the first direct meeting between the United States and Iran and emphasized the need for Iran to end its nuclear program through negotiations," she noted, adding that later, the White House will publish a written statement about the phone conversation.

"The two leaders also discussed the United States’ ongoing operations against the Houthis and emphasized that the Houthis will pay a severe price until they end their attacks on maritime traffic in the Red Sea. As you know, an additional negotiation between Steve Witkoff and Iran’s representative has been scheduled for Saturday and since these are ongoing negotiations, I have nothing more to add on that," Leavitt stressed.

Iranian and US officials held talks in Oman on April 12, discussing ways to resolve the situation around Tehran’s nuclear program. Iran’s delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff headed the US delegation. According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the meeting took place in a measured and positive atmosphere, and the parties agreed to continue consultations. The second round of talks is set for April 19.