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The analyst believes there may have also been discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme and easing oil sanctions.

The JCPOA, in which Iran curbed its nuclear development programme in return for sanctions relief, collapsed after the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew the United States from it in 2018.

However, last year, Washington and Tehran reached a prisoner exchange deal that included the US handing over $6bn in confiscated oil revenues.

Before the Muscat talks began, McGurk met with Iran's envoy to the United Nations, Saeid Iravani, according to the sources.

In the meeting, one source said, McGurk quoted Biden as saying: "I will not negotiate with Iran for a nuclear and comprehensive deal until after the US election because the Iranians cannot keep their promises.”

McGurk said Biden had complained he faced “too much pressure and humiliation” from Republicans when Raisi’s government refused to revive the JCPOA in 2022 after Donald Trump was voted out.

Biden was quoted as saying: "In my opinion, the JCPOA is dead, and we will negotiate after the elections, provided it is a comprehensive negotiation that goes beyond the JCPOA, covering regional issues as well."