The talks represent a milestone in the fraught relations between the two nations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iran and the United States will hold talks in the sultanate of Oman on Saturday in an attempt to jump-start negotiations over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program.

Tensions between the US and Iran are escalating ahead of key nuclear talks in Oman. Iran is considering an interim deal but has also threatened to expel UN nuclear inspectors, drawing a sharp response from Washington.