Trump signals force ‘still on the table’ as Muscat hosts fresh diplomatic push amid new sanctions.
Indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States kicked off Saturday in Oman, with diplomats stationed in separate rooms and Omani officials relaying messages. Talks focus exclusively on Iran’s nuclear program and U.S. sanctions as tensions rise following Trump’s threat of military action earlier this week. Oman’s role as a neutral mediator—trusted by both sides—has continued its legacy of quiet diplomacy since 2013.
A Delicate Start in Muscat
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that talks began with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi shuttling between the two delegations. No direct contact between U.S. and Iranian officials has occurred yet.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi emphasized Tehran’s position:
“We seek a fair and honorable agreement from an equal position… It is still too soon to talk about a timeline.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated this week that Iran has no plans to build nuclear weapons, countering global fears about its uranium enrichment.
US Pressure Strategy Continues
The talks follow President Trump’s March letter proposing direct negotiations—delivered via the UAE—which Iran rejected under current sanctions but left the door open for backchannel diplomacy.
Still, Trump raised the stakes Wednesday, warning military action is on the table if Iran refuses to halt its nuclear activities.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed fresh sanctions on five entities and one individual linked to Iran’s atomic energy sector.
Context: The JCPOA and Its Collapse
- The 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) offered Iran sanctions relief in exchange for limiting its nuclear program.
- Trump withdrew from the pact in 2018, reinstating sweeping sanctions.
- Iran responded by scaling back its commitments.
- Efforts to revive the deal have repeatedly stalled under both U.S. and Iranian administrations.
Oman’s Quiet Hand
Oman published a rare summary of its role in past U.S.-Iran talks, underscoring its “neutrality” and “quiet diplomacy.” The Gulf state has been a trusted go-between since early backchannel contacts in 2013.
This round may be pivotal: if successful, it could lead to broader negotiations or a new framework to replace the defunct JCPOA. If not, Trump’s warnings—and Tehran’s defiance—could push both countries closer to confrontation.
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