TEHRAN -- The second stage of indirect nuclear talks between Iranian and US delegations started a while ago in the Omani capital of Muscat, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported Friday.

In the first stage, the Iranian delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, presented its desired plan to Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, who conveyed it to the US negotiating team led by US president's special envoy Steve Witkoff, the report said.

In the second stage, the US delegation's response to Iran's proposal will be relayed to the Iranian side, it added.

According to a statement released earlier by Oman's Foreign Ministry, the indirect talks are focused on preparing the ground for the resumption of diplomatic and technical negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issues.

The talks come amid heightened regional tensions, especially between Washington and Tehran, featuring a recent US military buildup in the Middle East and Iran's stepped-up preparations.