Iran and the United States have initiated high-stakes indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, marking a tentative step toward reviving stalled negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program. The talks, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, bring together Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff the first such engagement between Iran and a U.S. administration since President Donald Trump resumed office.
The discussions come at a critical juncture, with tensions across the Middle East intensifying amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, Houthi disruptions in the Red Sea, and political upheaval in Syria. Both Washington and Tehran have expressed limited optimism, but deep distrust and divergent agendas continue to cast a shadow over the diplomatic process.
Oman, long a discreet intermediary between Iran and Western powers, is facilitating the dialogue through shuttle diplomacy, with each delegation remaining in separate rooms. According to an Omani source, the current focus includes de-escalating regional tensions, potential prisoner swaps, and limited sanctions relief in exchange for Iran halting its uranium enrichment. Iranian spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, however, denied specific claims without clarifying details.
The Iranian side remains skeptical, wary of Trump’s threats of military action should talks fail. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly granted Araqchi full negotiating authority, though the Islamic Republic remains firm on excluding its ballistic missile program from negotiations.
The urgency is compounded by Iran’s rapid advancements in uranium enrichment, reaching 60% fissile purity close to weapons-grade. Western nations and Israel fear Tehran is inching toward the capability to build nuclear arms, despite Iran’s denials of any such intent.
Trump, who withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during his previous term, reinstated harsh sanctions, further fueling tensions. A breakdown in current talks could escalate fears of a broader regional conflict, particularly if U.S. allies host military operations against Iran. Tehran has warned of “severe consequences” for such involvement.
For now, the Oman talks represent a cautious diplomatic opening, though both sides appear to be bracing for a prolonged and uncertain path ahead.
