The next round of talks between Washington and Tehran set for later this week is expected to set out a framework for negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme, a senior US official said on Wednesday.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq and Iran Victoria Taylor described the first round of talks between the two countries in Oman on Saturday as “positive” and “constructive”, during a panel at the Sulaimani Forum in Iraq.
“This first round was positive, it was constructive, and there’s agreement there will be talks in the coming days,” Ms Taylor said of Saturday’s initial discussions that were led by US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
“We’re still in early stages and have not defined the parameters,” she said, noting that “the coming discussions will help us chart this path forward.”
Deputy Iranian Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh was in the hall during the discussions.
A second round of discussions will take place again on Saturday, the two negotiating officials said after the talks. “This is a very positive first step but of course there is a long way to go,” Ms Taylor said.
Iran on Wednesday confirmed that the second round would be held in Rome, after initially denying reports that they would be hosted in the Italian capital.
Discussions between the geopolitical foes have been taking place against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s renewed policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran, while Tehran is seeking much-needed sanctions relief.
“I think it's also important to note that maximum pressure is still in effect, even as we are pursuing negotiations with Iran over the nuclear programme,” Ms Taylor stated, adding that Mr Trump is set on preventing Iran access to revenue that allows it to “fund its nuclear programme and terrorism.”
Iran says its nuclear programme is purely for peaceful purposes, but the UN's nuclear watchdog has raised alarm over its uranium enrichment levels, warning they are close to weapons-grade. Ms Taylor emphasised that, in addition to Iran’s nuclear programme, the US maintains its concerns regarding Tehran’s support of its regional proxy militia groups.
“The best way for Iran to get that economic relief and seek the removal of those sanctions is for it to stop the activities that caused us to put those sanctions into place,” she said, referring to Iranian backing of these groups.
The US has been carrying out frequent strikes aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen in recent weeks while Israel has engaged in warfare against other Tehran allies – Hamas and Hezbollah – in Gaza and Lebanon. “Iran's continued support to proxy militias – that's a concern not only to the United States, but we know for countries throughout the region,” Ms Taylor added.
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Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net
Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.
Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.
A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.
Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
UAE jiu-jitsu squad
Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 626bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh1,050,000
On sale: now
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
