US, Iran Hold Critical Oman Nuclear Talks Amid Rising Tensions/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Iran and the United States resumed expert-level nuclear negotiations in Oman, seeking a deal to curb Tehran’s uranium enrichment. The talks occur as tensions remain high following threats of military action and regional instability. A massive port explosion in Iran added further urgency to the discussions.
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Quick Looks
- Iran and U.S. officials meet in Oman to revive nuclear negotiations.
- Focus is limiting uranium enrichment in exchange for sanction relief.
- Trump warns of military strike if no deal is reached.
- Talks feature expert teams led by Majid Takht-e Ravanchi and Michael Anton.
- Iran insists on maintaining limited uranium enrichment capabilities.
- Massive explosion at Iranian port coincides with start of negotiations.
- Trump remains optimistic but signals readiness for tougher alternatives.
- Iran’s currency, the rial, shows signs of recovery amid hope for a deal.
US, Iran Hold Critical Oman Nuclear Talks Amid Rising Tensions
Deep Look
Iran and U.S. Resume Expert-Level Nuclear Negotiations in Oman Amid Growing Tensions
MUSCAT, Oman — Iran and the United States launched renewed, in-depth negotiations Saturday in Muscat, Oman, aiming to address Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. The talks mark a critical juncture as both sides seek a diplomatic breakthrough amid escalating regional instability and ongoing threats of military action.
Iranian state television confirmed that discussions had officially begun in the Omani capital, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leading Tehran’s delegation. A U.S. official close to Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff also verified the start of the closed-door negotiations.
Neither side disclosed immediate details about the early exchanges, though the agenda centers heavily on Iran’s uranium enrichment program, particularly its stockpile enriched near weapons-grade levels.
Araghchi arrived in Oman on Friday, meeting first with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who has played a key mediating role during the previous two rounds of discussions in Muscat and Rome. Araghchi was later seen visiting the Muscat International Book Fair before heading into Saturday’s talks.
Steve Witkoff, after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday, traveled directly to Oman to join the discussions. Sources familiar with Witkoff’s itinerary, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, confirmed his arrival shortly before negotiations commenced.
Port Explosion Shadows Talks
Shortly after talks began, a massive explosion rocked Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port, injuring at least 516 people. Authorities ruled out any damage to oil or gas infrastructure, but the incident underscored the broader volatility facing negotiators. Although the blast appears unrelated to the nuclear talks, it added a sense of urgency to the proceedings.
Stakes High for Both Sides
The broader aim of the Muscat talks is to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for lifting some of the harsh economic sanctions imposed by Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump, en route to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral, reiterated his preference for diplomacy but warned of possible airstrikes if no agreement emerges.
“The Iran situation is coming out very well,” Trump said aboard Air Force One. “We’ve had a lot of talks with them and I think we’re going to have a deal. I’d much rather have a deal than the other alternative. That would be good for humanity.”
Still, Trump added: “There are some people that want to make a different kind of a deal — a much nastier deal — and I don’t want that to happen to Iran if we can avoid it.”
Tensions have mounted since Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018. That move reignited cycles of violence and destabilization across the Middle East, complicating efforts to revive diplomacy.
Experts Take the Lead
Both sides are now moving into detailed expert-level negotiations. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e Ravanchi — a key figure from the 2015 deal — will head Tehran’s technical delegation, Iranian official Mohammad Golzari confirmed.
On the American side, Michael Anton, director of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s policy planning staff, will lead the expert team. Though Anton is less experienced in nuclear negotiations compared to past American envoys, he is seen as a staunch advocate for tighter restrictions on Iran’s program.
Key sticking points remain. Iran insists on maintaining limited uranium enrichment at about 3.67%, the level allowed under the 2015 deal. However, U.S. officials have sent mixed signals: Witkoff initially suggested limited enrichment might be acceptable, only to later align with Rubio’s call for a complete halt to enrichment.
Iranian optimism persists despite these challenges. The rial, Iran’s national currency, has recovered somewhat from historic lows, buoyed by cautious hope that an agreement could be within reach.
“It’s OK to negotiate, to make the nuclear program smaller or bigger, and reach a deal,” said Tehran resident Farzin Keivan. “Of course we shouldn’t give them everything. After all, we’ve suffered a lot for this program.”
As the expert teams work through the complex technical and political issues, the outcome of the Oman talks could either open the door for a new era of diplomacy or plunge the region deeper into conflict.
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