U.S. and Iranian envoys engaged in preliminary indirect talks in Oman on Friday, seeking to prevent potential American military action against Iran. The discussions, mediated by Omani officials, focused on Iran's nuclear program from Tehran's perspective, while the U.S. sought broader concessions. Both sides expressed interest in further meetings amid heightened regional tensions.
The indirect talks took place in Muscat, Oman's capital, involving U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law. They communicated with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi through Omani intermediaries. Iran characterized the six-hour session as lengthy and intensive, providing some relief in a region strained by threats of conflict.
President Trump had warned of military strikes, prompting Iran to caution that such action could ignite a wider war. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said: "We, likewise, had very good talks on Iran. Iran looks like it wants to make a deal very badly. We have to see what that deal is." He mentioned U.S. warships in the area but emphasized no urgency for an agreement.
Araghchi, in an interview with Al Jazeera, indicated both parties desire another round soon, though no date was fixed. He added that Iran is prepared for either peace or war.
Beyond diplomacy, the U.S. has applied economic pressure. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that American actions created a dollar shortage in Iran, leading to a banking collapse in December. This triggered currency devaluation, soaring inflation, and protests that evolved into anti-regime unrest, with at least 5,000 deaths, mostly among demonstrators.
On Friday, the U.S. imposed fresh sanctions targeting entities illegally trading Iranian oil, and the White House warned of tariffs on nations dealing with Iran. Trump advocates regime change, a view supported by Israel but feared by others for potential chaos in the oil-rich nation.
Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful and demands talks center on it. The U.S. claims Iran pursues weapons, citing a December bombing, though the U.N. nuclear watchdog finds no evidence of bomb development.
