Iran, U.S. hold "constructive" talks in Oman, set for further negotiations on April 19

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Iran, U.S. hold "constructive" talks in Oman, set for further negotiations on April 19

2025-04-13 04:23 Last Updated At：15:47

Iran and the United States are set to hold a second round of negotiations on April 19, following their "indirect" talks held in a "constructive" atmosphere on Saturday in the Omani capital, Muscat, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

The two-and-a-half-hour meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff focused on Iran's nuclear issue and sanctions relief. Both sides conveyed their governments' positions through Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, the ministry said.

It also noted upon leaving the venue, the heads of the two delegations spoke briefly in the presence of the Omani foreign minister.

In an address to reporters in Muscat following the talks, Araghchi said the first round of the talks was "constructive and held in a calm and very respectful atmosphere."

The talks in Muscat followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement in early March that he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders -- via the United Arab Emirates -- proposing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.

Iran later confirmed receiving the letter and left the door open for indirect engagement.

Philippine vessel stages provocative actions near Huangyan Dao: Chinese coast guard

2025-04-16 15:19 Last Updated At：15:37

China's coast guard authorities on Tuesday said one of its ships patrolling waters near Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea had been harassed by a Philippine vessel which had attempted to smear the Chinese side by taking staged photos.

The incident took place on Monday morning, when the Philippine coast guard ship 4409 dangerously approached the Chinese vessel Zhongnan in waters near Huangyan Dao, crossing close to the bow of the Chinese vessel four times, according to the China Coast Guard (CCG).

After repeated warnings and regulatory measures taken by the CCG, the Philippine vessel was eventually repelled from the area, the authorities said, adding that the Philippine side later attempted to disregard the facts and distort the truth by using media platforms to hype up the incident.

The actions of the Philippine side seriously violated relevant provisions of international law and maritime collision prevention regulations, the CCG said. By illegally and dangerously approaching the Chinese vessel, which was on a lawful mission, the Philippine ship threatened the safety of the Chinese personnel and ship, it noted.

The CCG responded professionally and in a lawful manner, the authorities stressed. In addition, the CCG vowed to resolutely counter any provocation by Philippine vessels in order to safeguard China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.