Oman Hosts High-Stakes U.S.–Iran Nuclear Meeting/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Iran and the United States have resumed nuclear negotiations for the first time during Trump’s second term, with talks taking place in Oman. The meetings come amid escalating tensions and warnings from both sides, as Iran’s nuclear capabilities advance. Oman, known for discreet diplomacy, plays a key role as mediator.
U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks Resume in Oman: Quick Looks
- First Iran-U.S. nuclear talks of Trump’s second term held in Muscat, Oman.
- Oman mediates amid rising tensions and nuclear weapons concerns.
- Trump threatens airstrikes if a deal is not reached soon.
- Iran warns it may pursue nuclear weapons if talks fail.
- Iran’s uranium enrichment levels near weapons-grade, alarming global watchdogs.
- Talks to begin as indirect negotiations, via Oman’s foreign minister.
- Oman’s neutral stance and historic ties with Iran make it an ideal host.
- Ayatollah Khamenei’s advisors warn of ending cooperation with UN inspectors.
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff leads diplomatic push; Trump demands direct talks.
- Iran suggests willingness to compromise if threats and unrelated demands end.
Oman Hosts High-Stakes U.S.–Iran Nuclear Meeting
Deep Look
The United States and Iran resumed nuclear negotiations on Saturday in Oman, a Gulf state known for its discreet diplomacy and neutral foreign policy. This marks the first formal engagement between the two nations over Iran’s nuclear program during President Donald Trump’s second term.
The stakes are sky-high. Trump has warned that if diplomacy fails, the U.S. is prepared to take military action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. On the other side, Iranian officials have escalated their rhetoric, suggesting they may pursue nuclear weapons and expel international inspectors if threats persist.
Oman’s Central Role
The talks are being hosted in Muscat, the capital of Oman, a small nation with outsized diplomatic influence. Tucked between the Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Sea, Oman has long served as a quiet conduit between adversaries in the Middle East.
Its historic ties to both Iran and the West, along with its reputation for neutral, “quiet diplomacy,” make it a rare and trusted player in a region dominated by louder actors like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
“The Omanis have a lot of experience when it comes to playing this back-channel role,” said Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics.
Oman has previously facilitated key moments in U.S.-Iran diplomacy, including the secret talks under President Barack Obama that laid the groundwork for the 2015 nuclear deal.
Indirect Talks — For Now
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has signaled that negotiations will begin as indirect talks, with messages passed through Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi. However, Trump insists talks must be direct, creating early friction over format.
Despite this, both sides appear willing to engage. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East point man, arrived in Oman shortly after the surprise announcement of talks from the Oval Office.
State-run media in Oman has yet to confirm the discussions — a testament to the country’s preference for secrecy in diplomacy.
“Oman typically prefers not making too many headlines,” Cafiero noted.
Nuclear Progress and Military Threats
Since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 under Trump, Iran has steadily escalated its enrichment program. Experts believe Iran now has enough material enriched to 60% purity to potentially build multiple nuclear weapons, should it choose to make that leap.
While Iran continues to deny it seeks nuclear arms, officials are clear that they want concessions in return for any rollback. Iran is unlikely to agree to completely dismantle its program, especially in light of regional comparisons.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “Libyan model” proposal — which would see the U.S. destroy and supervise Iran’s facilities — has been rejected outright by Tehran, who view Libya’s fate under Gaddafi as a cautionary tale.
“We won’t suffer the same fate as Libya,” said a senior Iranian advisor.
Warnings from Tehran
Ali Shamkhani, a top advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that Iran may expel International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors and resume secretive nuclear operations if negotiations break down.
“The transfer of enriched material to a secure location could also be considered,” Shamkhani said — an allusion to past undeclared facilities that triggered global concern.
Still, signs of flexibility are emerging. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e Ravanchi hinted that Iran is open to a deal, provided the U.S. dials back its threats.
“If the American side refrains from raising unrelated issues and intimidation, there is a good opportunity to reach an agreement,” he told IRNA, Iran’s state news agency.
The Road Ahead
With Iran preparing to push for the right to enrich uranium up to 20%, and the U.S. aiming to cap or reduce Iran’s nuclear capabilities, a compromise will not come easily. The two sides remain fundamentally at odds over the scope and verification of any agreement.
Yet, the simple fact that they are talking again — in the same region where past deals were born — has raised cautious hopes for diplomacy.
If Oman succeeds in reviving nuclear diplomacy between Washington and Tehran, it will once again solidify its role as the Middle East’s quiet mediator — steering some of the world’s most volatile negotiations through the shoals of geopolitics.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.