US-Iran Nuclear Talks: Trump Warns Khamenei as Oman to Host Negotiations

US-Iran Nuclear Talks Resume in Oman Amidst Shifting Dynamics

Muscat, Oman – Negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding a nuclear agreement are set to resume Friday morning in Oman, according to announcements made on Wednesday. This development follows a period of uncertainty and escalating tensions, including concerns that the talks would collapse entirely.

The renewed discussions come after a letter from US President Donald Trump to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and subsequent threats of military action if an agreement isn’t reached. President Trump stated on Wednesday that Khamenei “should be very worried,” as reported by NBC News. However, later in the day, both sides confirmed the talks would proceed in Muscat, shifting the location from initially proposed discussions in Turkey.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on Tuesday that he had instructed diplomats “to pursue fair and equitable negotiations” with the US, signaling a willingness to engage despite ongoing tensions. This announcement supports reports that Iran is prepared to participate in talks organized by Turkiye, following weeks of heightened concerns over potential military conflict.

The talks were initially thrown into doubt after disagreements over the format and scope of the negotiations. US officials reportedly sought a broad discussion encompassing Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile program, support for regional terror groups, and human rights abuses. Iran, however, initially sought to limit the discussions solely to its nuclear program, a position deemed unacceptable by the US. According to US officials, Washington insisted on an “all or nothing” approach, which Iran ultimately accepted, leading to the agreement to meet in Oman.

Despite the resumption of talks, skepticism remains high. A White House official confirmed the meeting in Muscat, but Axios reported that American officials remain doubtful a deal will be reached. Nine Arab leaders reportedly lobbied the White House to continue the negotiations, but US officials expressed concerns about Iran’s intentions.

The situation is further complicated by differing accounts of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. President Trump has claimed that US strikes last year “wiped out” Iran’s nuclear program, a statement that has been challenged by reports indicating that some facilities were not targeted and the location of enriched uranium stockpiles remains unknown. Trump clarified that Iran is attempting to rebuild its program at other sites, suggesting further US military action may be considered.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that any agreement must address Iran’s missile program, support for terrorist organizations, and its domestic human rights record. However, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that the country’s missile program is “off the table” for negotiation.

The fluctuating prospects for a diplomatic resolution have impacted global markets, with the price of oil surging on Wednesday following reports of a potential collapse in talks. This reflects concerns about a possible escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

Prior to these recent developments, the US and Iran held five rounds of mediated talks in Oman in May 2025. The current negotiations build upon those earlier discussions, but face significant hurdles given the complex geopolitical landscape and the divergent positions of both sides.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held a high-level meeting in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials. During the meeting, Israeli officials reportedly presented intelligence on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as details on the crackdown against anti-regime protests, and warned that Iran was stalling and acting in bad faith. Witkoff reportedly responded that the US understands Israel’s concerns and is not pursuing an agreement at any cost.

The talks in Oman are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Local time on Friday. The outcome remains uncertain, but the resumption of negotiations represents a potential, albeit fragile, step towards de-escalation in a region fraught with tension.