MUSCAT, Oman – On Saturday, Iran and the United States initiated indirect talks in Oman aimed at addressing Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.
These discussions, the first since President Donald Trump’s administration, are being mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi.
The talks are expected to focus on de-escalating regional tensions, potential prisoner exchanges, and discussions on limited sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is leading Tehran’s delegation, while Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, heads the U.S. side.
Each country is holding separate discussions with the Omani foreign minister, who is acting as an intermediary to facilitate communication.
The negotiations come amid heightened tensions, with Iran’s uranium enrichment program continuing to raise alarms in the West, particularly in Washington and Israel, both of whom fear Tehran is inching closer to developing nuclear weapons.
While the U.S. administration under Trump has taken a hardline stance, including the restoration of sanctions and threats of military action, Iran remains wary of any direct negotiations, given the historical mistrust and the tough rhetoric from Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to bomb Iran if it doesn’t halt its nuclear program.
Ahead of the talks, Araqchi met with Omani officials in Muscat to present Tehran’s position.
Although the talks are expected to be brief, Iranian officials have emphasized that this is just an initial step in what could become a longer process.
Tehran has also made it clear that it would not be discussing its defense capabilities, including its ballistic missile program, a point of contention with the U.S. and its allies.
Both nations have remained far apart on key issues, especially concerning the nature of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Despite Iran’s denials that it is pursuing nuclear weapons, Western nations argue that Iran’s nuclear enrichment has surpassed the needs for civilian energy and is approaching weapons-grade levels.
As a result, the stakes of these talks are high, with the possibility of easing tensions or escalating them further, particularly in a volatile region already burdened by ongoing conflicts.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has given Araqchi full authority to engage in these talks, but the outcome remains uncertain.
The success or failure of these discussions could have significant implications for the broader Middle East, especially given the involvement of regional powers like Israel and Saudi Arabia, both of whom have expressed concerns about Iran’s growing influence and nuclear capabilities.
