Iran's negotiator claims progress on potential nuclear deal with U.S.

"Various ideas were presented and discussed seriously. Ultimately, we were able to reach a general understanding on a set of guiding principles, on the basis of which we will move forward from now on and begin working on the text of a potential agreement. This does not mean that we can reach an agreement quickly, but at least the path has begun,"

"good progress was made compared to the previous meeting, and we now have a clearer path ahead."

"Together we made serious efforts to define a number of guiding principles for a final deal,"

"Much work is yet to be done, and the parties left with clear next steps before the next meeting."

Iranian and negotiating counterparts completed a second round of talks mediated by Oman and reported constructive progress toward a potential agreement. Negotiators reached a general understanding on a set of guiding principles and agreed to begin working on draft texts of a possible accord, while cautioning that a final agreement will not be reached quickly. Oman said talks made progress on identifying common goals and relevant technical issues and that parties left with clear next steps before a third round. A U.S. official described the talks as occurring as expected. Additional U.S. military assets, including a second carrier strike group and more than 50 fighter jets, moved to the region.

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