Top Iranian and U.S. diplomats will hold talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme in Geneva on Tuesday, mediated by the Gulf state of Oman.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff are due to hold indirect negotiations at the Omani embassy.

The talks come amid weeks of tensions between Washington and Tehran after Iranian security forces brutally cracked down on a wave of protests in January, with thousands reported killed.

In response, President Donald Trump threatened the Iranian leadership with military intervention and sent an aircraft carrier to the region.

A first round of talks between Iranian and U.S. representatives to defuse the brewing conflict took place in Oman earlier this month.

The latest discussions are also due to focus on Iran’s controversial nuclear programme.

Washington has sought for years to prevent the Iranian government from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Tehran has signalled it is willing to limit its nuclear programme in return for the U.S. lifting harsh economic sanctions.

However, Iran has said it will not negotiate over other issues, such as reducing its missile arsenal or ending support for militant groups.

(dpa/NAN)