In a critical diplomatic development with potential global ramifications, the United States and Iran have commenced high-stakes nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, signaling the most significant diplomatic engagement between the long-time adversaries since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement. The talks, being held behind closed doors, come at a time of heightened regional tension and global concern over nuclear proliferation.
U.S. President Donald Trump, now in his second term, has surprised the international community by re-engaging with Iran through this new negotiation effort. Trump had unilaterally withdrawn the U.S. from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, arguing that the deal was ineffective and failed to curb Iran’s long-term nuclear ambitions.
However, with escalating tensions in the Middle East and renewed threats from both the United States and Israel against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the Trump administration has shifted course — albeit under tough new conditions. “I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country. But they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said aboard Air Force One before the talks.
The U.S. delegation is led by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, while Iran’s team is headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi — a key figure in the original 2015 deal.
Oman, a country that has played a traditional mediating role in U.S.-Iran relations, is hosting the delicate dialogue. While the U.S. insists on direct talks, Iranian sources maintain that the negotiations are proceeding indirectly, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi acting as the intermediary.
According to reports from Iranian news agency Tasnim, the first session was scheduled to commence Saturday afternoon, with each side presenting initial conditions and frameworks for the negotiations.
Tehran has made it clear that it seeks a “real and fair” agreement. Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated via social media that the Islamic Republic is approaching the talks with “implementable proposals,” provided Washington reciprocates with goodwill.
The Iranian government is under immense pressure due to crushing economic sanctions, domestic discontent, and the geopolitical toll of Israel’s military actions against Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon and Gaza. Analysts believe Iran is motivated to reach an agreement that would provide economic relief without appearing to capitulate.
The U.S. has made it clear that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon. Witkoff stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that dismantling Iran’s nuclear program is a priority, though he conceded that the two sides may find room for compromise on other strategic concerns.
“Our red line is simple: there can’t be weaponisation of nuclear capability,” Witkoff said, indicating that while full dismantlement is the U.S. preference, a rollback with tight verification mechanisms could be acceptable.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently expressed “serious concern” over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, which currently includes nearly 275 kilograms enriched to 60% purity — perilously close to weapons-grade levels.
Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is strictly for civilian purposes. Still, following the U.S. exit from the JCPOA, it resumed enrichment beyond the agreement’s limits, significantly increasing its nuclear capabilities.
Analysts agree that these negotiations could shape the security architecture of the Middle East for years to come. According to Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group, defining the scope of the talks will be a major challenge. “No deal will be sustainable unless it becomes more comprehensive,” he noted, highlighting the need to address Iran’s regional activities in addition to its nuclear program.
Karim Bitar, a political analyst and lecturer in Middle Eastern Studies at Sciences Po in Paris, emphasized that Iran’s priority is regime survival. “Sanctions relief is vital. The regime is under tremendous pressure both internally and externally, and a deal could offer some economic oxygen.”
Tensions are high, with both the U.S. and Israel threatening military responses if diplomacy fails. Trump has warned of potential military intervention should negotiations break down, while Iran has countered by threatening to expel UN nuclear inspectors — a move that Washington warned would be a “serious escalation.”
As nuclear talks continue in Oman, the world watches anxiously. Success could revive hopes for stability in a volatile region, while failure could accelerate a dangerous nuclear arms race in the Middle East.