Indirect talks between the United States and Iran have taken place in Oman, with Tehran signaling it will not alter its uranium enrichment program despite American demands, according to reports emerging on . The discussions, facilitated by Omani diplomats, represent the first direct engagement between Washington and Tehran since a brief conflict in , which followed an Israeli attack and subsequent U.S. Airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reportedly informed U.S. Counterparts that Iran will not agree to halt uranium enrichment or relocate the process outside of the country, a key demand from the American side. Despite this firm stance, Araqchi characterized the talks as a “good start,” indicating a willingness to pursue further negotiations.
The talks were conducted indirectly, with Omani diplomats serving as intermediaries, sources familiar with the discussions revealed. These sources also indicated that neither side significantly altered its initial positions, reflecting the deep-seated disagreements that continue to plague relations between the two countries. The impasse centers on Iran’s insistence on continuing uranium enrichment and the United States’ demand that Iran curtail its ballistic missile program and cease support for regional proxies as preconditions for any broader agreement.
The possibility of military escalation remains a concern, with some observers suggesting a strike could be inevitable. Others believe that the most realistic outcome, given the wide gap between the two sides, is de-escalation and an agreement to continue dialogue. Former U.S. Diplomat and nuclear negotiator with Iran, Alan Eyre, warned before the talks began that “we are facing the most dangerous phase in bilateral relations in more than forty years… the cost of any wrong step has become very high.”
The U.S. Delegation included Special Envoy for Iran, Steve Witkof, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of the President, alongside the Iranian Foreign Minister. Notably, the American team also included Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, a move described as unusual for diplomatic encounters but consistent with President Trump’s approach of involving senior military leaders in sensitive negotiations.
These discussions mark the first formal engagement between Washington and Tehran since the conflict. Following the hostilities, the United States bolstered its air and naval presence near Iran, threatening further use of force over its nuclear program. The White House has stated that President Trump seeks to test the possibility of reaching an agreement through negotiation, while simultaneously maintaining that he has “numerous options” beyond diplomacy.
The United States is demanding a halt to uranium enrichment, limitations on the ballistic missile program, and an end to Iran’s support for regional militias. Iran, however, maintains It’s only prepared to discuss its nuclear program and insists that any discussion of missiles or militias must be addressed with countries in the region.
Analysts suggest that Iran’s negotiating position is weakened by recent military strikes targeting its nuclear infrastructure, widespread domestic protests, and a severe economic downturn. However, Iranian leaders have demonstrated a firm commitment to uranium enrichment, warning of serious regional repercussions should they face another attack. The U.S. Position, conversely, calls for the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program.
Even the procedural details of the talks – including the location, timing, and format – were subject to intense negotiation before they could be held in Oman, a further indication of the significant challenges in overcoming the fundamental disagreements between the two countries. The choice of Oman as a venue reflects the Sultanate’s long-standing role as a mediator in regional disputes.
The current impasse highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East. The United States remains deeply concerned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its destabilizing role in the region, while Iran views U.S. Policies as hostile and seeks to assert its influence in the region. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for regional stability and the future of the international non-proliferation regime.
The situation remains fluid, and the path forward remains uncertain. While the initial talks have been described as a “good start,” significant obstacles remain. The willingness of both sides to compromise and engage in good-faith negotiations will be crucial in determining whether a diplomatic solution can be reached, or whether the region is headed towards further escalation.
