Mr Araghchi lauded the “relatively positive atmosphere”, high praise from a regime whose leaders sometimes chant “death to America”. Donald Trump was more effusive, saying his administration had “very good meetings” on Iran (although he said the same about tariffs, Russia and Ukraine). The two envoys’ next meeting was set for April 26th.

U.S. President Donald Trump this week said he is open to meeting Iran's supreme leader or president and that he thinks the two countries will strike a new deal on Tehran's disputed nuclear programme.