Iran and US Hold Indirect Talks in Oman Amid Rising Tensions
Amid escalating military pressure from the United States, Iran and the US held indirect talks in Oman on Friday, February 6, 2026, regarding Iran’s nuclear program and other regional issues. Iranian officials described the discussions as a “good start” and indicated a willingness to continue negotiations.
The high-level talks, which took place in Muscat, Oman, included U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, on the American side. The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington had been stalled since June of last year, when the U.S. Military reportedly struck Iranian nuclear facilities. The resumption of talks was brokered by Oman, which has historically served as an intermediary between the two nations.
Following the discussions, Foreign Minister Araghchi told Iranian media, “it was a good start,” and confirmed that both sides agreed to continue the dialogue.
While the United States signaled its intention to address a broader agenda, including Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for armed groups in the region, Araghchi stated that the focus of the talks remained solely on the nuclear issue. “The focus was only on the nuclear issue and we did not discuss anything beyond that,” he said, suggesting that significant disagreements persist.
The Trump administration has been increasing military pressure on Iran, including deploying the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln to the Arabian Sea. This heightened tension raises questions about whether a path to de-escalation can be found through these renewed diplomatic efforts.
The talks represent a cautious step towards addressing the complex and volatile relationship between the two countries. The United States, according to a White House briefing on February 6, 2026, is seeking “zero nuclear capability” from Iran. This demand presents a significant challenge for Iranian negotiators, who have consistently maintained their right to a peaceful nuclear program.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi played a key role in facilitating communication between the U.S. And Iranian delegations, conveying messages between the two sides. The indirect nature of the talks – with no face-to-face meetings between American and Iranian officials – underscores the deep mistrust that characterizes the relationship.
The resumption of dialogue comes after weeks of escalating tensions, fueled in part by widespread protests within Iran. These protests, which began in late December, initially stemmed from economic hardship and the collapse of the Iranian currency, but quickly evolved into calls for political change. Iranian authorities responded with a crackdown on the demonstrations, according to observers.
The outcome of these talks remains uncertain. The differing priorities of the two sides – the U.S. Seeking a comprehensive agreement addressing multiple concerns, and Iran focusing solely on its nuclear program – suggest that significant obstacles remain. However, the willingness of both countries to engage in dialogue, even indirectly, offers a glimmer of hope for a potential easing of tensions in the region.
