The first meeting between senior American and Iranian officials, in Muscat on Saturday, was deemed a positive start by both parties. They managed to have both indirect talks through their Omani host and a short direct encounter outside their separate rooms. Opening positions were presented and are being analyzed ahead of a second meeting. This seemingly bodes well for diplomacy, however, there is no assurance that a deal can be reached before President Trump’s early June deadline for resolving the Iranian nuclear project standoff.

