In a significant diplomatic development, representatives from the United States and Iran convened in Oman for direct nuclear negotiations, marking the first face-to-face talks since a brief but intense conflict last June. The discussions, mediated by Omani officials, aimed to defuse escalating regional tensions and explore pathways toward a nuclear deal.
The high-stakes meetings in Muscat saw U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner engage with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The sessions, which lasted for several hours, were facilitated by the Omani Foreign Minister, who initially met with each delegation separately before enabling direct dialogue. President Trump expressed optimism, stating that Iran appeared eager to reach an agreement, though he emphasized the need to scrutinize the terms of any potential deal. He also highlighted the U.S. military presence in the region as a factor influencing Iran’s approach.
Despite the positive tone from the U.S. president, significant hurdles remain. Iran has reiterated its stance on continuing nuclear enrichment, a key point of contention for the U.S. and its allies. While Iran has proposed measures to ensure its nuclear program remains peaceful, it has resisted calls to halt enrichment entirely. The U.S., meanwhile, has sought broader discussions encompassing Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for regional proxy groups. The U.S. also imposed new sanctions on Iranian oil tankers shortly after the talks concluded, signaling continued economic pressure.
Both sides acknowledged the talks as a “good start,” with Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi noting that viewpoints were exchanged and concerns were heard. However, he stressed the need for a calm atmosphere free from threats for future negotiations. The U.S. has not issued an official statement on the talks’ outcomes. The diplomatic engagement, while a positive step, occurs against a backdrop of heightened military readiness and lingering mistrust, making the path to a comprehensive agreement challenging.