The United States and Iran are set to resume nuclear negotiations this Friday in Oman, bringing an end to days of uncertainty surrounding the location and format of the talks. The meeting in Muscat marks a cautious reopening of diplomatic engagement between the two rivals, even as deep mistrust, regional tensions, and the risk of escalation persist.
The talks follow weeks of quiet diplomatic maneuvering and public signaling from both sides. Although officials on both ends have played down expectations, this will be the first formal interaction since May and could influence the direction of regional security in the months ahead.
Venue Confirmed After Conflicting Signals
The confirmation of Oman as the host came after mixed messages earlier in the week. US President Donald Trump, in remarks to NBC News on Wednesday, delivered a pointed warning directed at Iran’s leadership, saying, “He should be very worried, yeah. As you know, they are negotiating with us.”
Shortly afterward, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on social media that the talks would take place Friday morning in Muscat. A White House official later confirmed the plan, noting that both sides had agreed to proceed despite earlier confusion.
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Initially, US officials believed the negotiations would be held in Turkey. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington had understood Ankara to be the confirmed venue, while emphasizing that the administration remained open to talks wherever progress might be possible.
Limited Scope and Disagreements Over Format
Iran ultimately pushed for Oman, a country with a long history of quietly mediating between Tehran and Washington. Tehran also insisted that the agenda be limited exclusively to nuclear issues and that no third-party countries participate.
Sources familiar with the discussions said Iran was adamant that only US and Iranian officials be present. While Washington eventually accepted these terms, officials indicated the decision was made cautiously and without high expectations.
The United States aims to curb Iran’s uranium enrichment, restrict its ballistic missile program, and scale back its support for regional proxy groups. Iran, however, has repeatedly stated that it will engage only on matters related to its nuclear activities.
Regional Dynamics and Signals from Tehran
A regional official said several Arab and Muslim leaders privately urged Washington to continue diplomacy, warning that abandoning talks could further destabilize the region. Despite internal skepticism—one US official described the administration as “very skeptical” about achieving a breakthrough—the White House agreed to move forward.
Tensions have risen in recent weeks, with Trump hinting at possible military action linked to unrest inside Iran. Against this backdrop, Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian said he had instructed the foreign minister to pursue “fair and equitable negotiations” with the United States—a step analysts say likely reflects the quiet approval of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.