Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman on Friday, focusing on Tehran's nuclear program, but the negotiations returned to square one. For the first time, the US included its top military commander in the Middle East at the table. Diplomats expressed cautious optimism while emphasizing the need for a tension-free atmosphere.
In Muscat, the capital of Oman, Iranian and American officials engaged in indirect negotiations on Friday, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. The talks, held at a palace near the international airport, aimed to establish a framework for future discussions on Iran's nuclear activities. However, they appeared to revert to initial positions without significant progress.
The US delegation, led by Mideast special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, brought U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, head of Central Command, dressed in uniform. His presence underscored military tensions, with the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other warships positioned off Iran's coast in the Arabian Sea. President Donald Trump has threatened force to secure a nuclear deal, following Iran's crackdown on protests that killed thousands.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed the importance of dialogue without threats. "We did note that nuclear talks and the resolution of the main issues must take place in a calm atmosphere, without tension and without threats," Araghchi told journalists after the talks. He added, "The prerequisite for any dialogue is refraining from threats and pressure." Araghchi described the mistrust between the sides as a major challenge and said consultations with capitals would determine next steps.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi called the discussions "useful to clarify both the Iranian and American thinking and identify areas for possible progress." The talks were originally slated for Turkey with broader regional involvement, including Iran's ballistic missiles, but Iran insisted on focusing solely on the nuclear program.
Background tensions include Iran's enrichment of uranium to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels, as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran has restricted IAEA inspections since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018. Recent incidents, such as a US shootdown of an Iranian drone and an attempt to stop a US-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz, heightened concerns of escalation. Gulf Arab nations worry about a potential regional war.
Araghchi offered a positive note in a state television interview, saying the multiple rounds of talks focused on negotiation frameworks. The US did not immediately comment, and diplomats returned to their capitals, signaling the end of this round.
