Negotiations between the United States and Iran began on Friday in the Omani capital Muscat, resuming a diplomatic track that had stalled last year following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

The talks are being held amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with an increased U.S. military buildup in the region.

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi is hosting the discussions as part of Muscat’s mediation efforts between the two sides.

Iran’s delegation is headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, while the United States is represented by President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Middle East affairs, Steve Witkoff.

Also taking part in the talks are Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs Hamid Ghanbari, and Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei.

No immediate details were available on the agenda or the expected duration of the talks.