In a first meeting, the United States and Iran show signs of pragmatism and limited aims, which would make success more likely. But hard-liners on both sides — and Israel — are bound to balk.

Iran and the U.S. held "productive" talks in Oman on Saturday and agreed to reconvene next week, Tehran said, a dialogue meant to address Tehran's escalating nuclear programme with President Donald Trump threatening military action if there is no deal.