In a significant diplomatic development, Iran and the United States have initiated indirect nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, marking the first such engagement during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Facilitated by Omani intermediaries, the discussions aim to address escalating concerns over Iran’s advancing nuclear program and the potential revival of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018.
The talks, described by both parties as “very positive and constructive,” involved U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. While the meetings were primarily indirect, with messages exchanged through Omani officials, there was a brief face-to-face interaction between Witkoff and Araghchi, signaling a cautious step towards direct diplomacy.
Central to the discussions is Iran’s demand for the lifting of economic sanctions in exchange for limitations on its nuclear activities. Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and seeks relief from sanctions that have severely impacted its economy. Conversely, the U.S. insists on stringent verification measures to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons capabilities.
Despite the constructive tone, significant challenges remain. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed openness to agreements that do not alter the country’s nuclear infrastructure, emphasizing the nation’s right to maintain its nuclear advancements. This stance complicates negotiations, as the U.S. seeks more substantial concessions to prevent potential weaponization.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran possesses uranium enriched to levels near weapons-grade, intensifying international scrutiny. In response, the U.S. has warned of severe consequences should Iran pursue enrichment to 90% purity, the threshold for nuclear weapons.
Both nations have agreed to reconvene on April 19, with the hope of building on the initial progress. While the path to a renewed agreement remains fraught with obstacles, the Muscat talks represent a tentative yet meaningful step towards de-escalation and potential resolution of longstanding nuclear tensions.
