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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the head of the Iranian delegation, responded by noting Witkoff's "contradictory statements" and stressing that "real positions will be made clear at the negotiating table".

Although Trump said there would be "direct talks", Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the negotiations, in Oman, would be indirect.

Abbas Araghchi told Iranian state television his country wanted a "fair agreement" as delegations from both countries prepare for negotiations.

Sources close to the situation indicated a breakthrough in talks between Salah, his representative Ramy Abbas Issa and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was reached at the end of March, with the formalities of the deal concluded earlier this week.

Iran is ready to engage with the US at talks on Saturday over its nuclear programme "with a view to seal a deal", its Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said.