Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, described the latest round of nuclear negotiations with the United States as "more serious" than previous meetings, though significant disagreements on major issues persist.

Speaking after the third round of talks concluded on Saturday evening in Muscat, Araghchi struck a cautiously optimistic tone but acknowledged that substantial gaps remain between the two sides.

“We are extremely cautious but hopeful about the outcome of the negotiations,” Araghchi said, according to Iranian state media. He emphasized that discussions were strictly focused on Iran’s nuclear program and that this framework had been maintained throughout all three rounds of talks.

The latest session, which lasted about five hours, was led on the U.S. side by Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, appointed by former President Donald Trump.

Iranian state television reported that alongside the high-level talks, a first round of expert-level negotiations also took place in Muscat, where both sides discussed the "details of expectations and demands."

With delegations now returning to their respective capitals for further consultations, talks are expected to resume in the coming weeks. Oman’s Foreign Minister later announced on X that the next high-level meeting between Iran and the U.S. is scheduled for Saturday, May 3.

The negotiations are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address international concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, with observers closely monitoring for signs of either a breakthrough or a breakdown in the delicate discussions.