In a first meeting, the United States and Iran show signs of pragmatism and limited aims, which would make success more likely. But hard-liners on both sides — and Israel — are bound to balk.

The U.S. and Iran plan to continue talks after the indirect summit between Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and the Iranian foreign minister.

Iran and the U.S. held "productive" talks in Oman on Saturday and agreed to reconvene next week, Tehran said, a dialogue meant to address Tehran's escalating nuclear programme with President Donald Trump threatening military action if there is no deal.