Senior US and Iranian officials are set to continue discussions after talks in Oman, amid fears of conflict between the countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that these mediated discussions were a 'good beginning' focused exclusively on nuclear issues, with negotiators now returning to their capitals for consultations. US officials expressed interest in discussing Iran's ballistic missiles and support for armed groups, highlighting gaps between the nations. This comes amid a US military buildup in the Middle East, responding to violence from Iran's government against anti-government protests that resulted in thousands of deaths. While there is a possibility for further negotiations, significant differences persist, particularly concerning US demands regarding Iran's missile program and regional alliances, against the context of Iran's economic struggles due to sanctions.