State Department chief executive Michael Anton is leading a US technical team to negotiate a new Iranian nuclear deal, according to State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce.
Anton, the head of policy planning for the State Department, will lead a team of around 12 working-level experts from various U.S. government agencies, a familiar source told CNN.
Bruce did not elaborate on how Anton was chosen for the role or who else was on the technical team.
Technical talks are scheduled to take place in Oman on Saturday. The team will provide more detailed details on the path to a new nuclear agreement with Tehran, including relief and restrictions on the potential sanctions of Iran’s nuclear program. This will be the first round of a technical talk.
CNN previously reported, but another political-level consultation led by US envoy Steve Witkoff is also expected on Saturday, but sources said the plans were in fluidity.
Politico first reported on Anton’s role in leading the technical team.
Background: The two countries have been hostile for decades and have long debated about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. US President Donald Trump insists on launching a new nuclear deal within weeks.
The US and Iran gave a second round speech last week in Rome, Italy. The Trump administration expressed optimism following the meeting, pointing to “very good progress” after the meeting. “Today, in Rome, for over four hours in our second round talk, we have made great progress in our direct and indirect discussion,” a senior management official told CNN.
CNN’s Betsy Klein, Jennifer Hansler and Sophie Tanno contributed to this report and updated with State Department attribution.