U.S. and Iran at Odds Over Format of Upcoming Nuclear Talks
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Monday that the United States and Iran are set to begin nuclear negotiations, but Iranian officials clarified the discussions would be held indirectly through mediation by Oman.
Trump, speaking from the Oval Office alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the talks would take place on Saturday and involve high-level representatives. He warned that if discussions failed, “Iran is going to be in great danger.”
Iran Rejects Direct Talks, Cites Omani Mediation
Shortly after Trump’s statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on social media that talks would remain indirect, facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. Iran reiterated that any direct contact would require explicit approval from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has previously rejected such negotiations as unwise.
The Iranian government characterized Trump’s remarks as part of a “psychological operation”, aimed at shaping public perception rather than reflecting actual diplomatic plans.
Background on the Dispute and Sanctions
Tensions remain high following Trump’s 2018 decision to withdraw the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear agreement, which had provided sanctions relief in exchange for limits on Iran’s nuclear activities. Since then, Iran has exceeded enrichment limits set under the deal.
Western nations accuse Iran of attempting to develop a nuclear weapons capability, but Tehran maintains its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes.
Trump said he had previously written to Khamenei proposing talks and emphasized that a diplomatic resolution would be preferable to conflict. Despite a heavy military buildup in the region, Trump stated he would prefer a deal to confrontation.
Regional Tensions and the Axis of Resistance
The proposed talks come amid growing instability in the Middle East. Iran’s network of regional allies, often called the “Axis of Resistance,” has been under pressure following:
- The Gaza conflict, sparked by Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel
- Israeli operations in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah
- U.S. airstrikes against the Houthi movement in Yemen
- Reports of damage to Iran’s air defenses
- The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a long-time Iranian ally
A senior Iranian official mentioned there may be a two-month window for reaching a deal before the situation escalates further, referencing concerns that Israel could act unilaterally if diplomacy stalls.
Next Steps Unclear
While the U.S. named Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff as its representative for the talks, the White House National Security Council declined to comment on details. Iran has said it is waiting on a formal U.S. response to its offer for indirect negotiations.
Both nations appear committed to entering talks, though serious differences remain over format, timing, and conditions for progress.
