TEHRAN, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The second stage of indirect nuclear talks between Iranian and U.S. delegations started a while ago in the Omani capital of Muscat, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported Friday.

This photo taken on Feb. 5, 2026 shows a street view in Muscat, Oman. Delegations from the United States and Iran on Friday began talks in the Omani capital of Muscat, marking a renewed diplomatic effort amid heightened regional tensions. (Photo: Xinhua)

In the first stage, the Iranian delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, presented its desired plan to Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, who conveyed it to the U.S. negotiating team led by U.S. president's special envoy Steve Witkoff, the report said.

In the second stage, the U.S. delegation's response to Iran's proposal will be relayed to the Iranian side, it added.

According to a statement released earlier by Oman's Foreign Ministry, the indirect talks are focused on preparing the ground for the resumption of diplomatic and technical negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issues.

The talks come amid heightened regional tensions, especially between Washington and Tehran, featuring a recent U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and Iran's stepped-up preparations.