Iran and the US resume nuclear negotiations in Oman

Iran and the US have resumed nuclear talks that were suspended following the attacks in 2025. Representatives from both countries met in Muscat, the capital of Oman, hosted by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

The talks were attended by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. The negotiations, which were initially planned to be held in Turkey, were moved to Oman at Iran's request. The Iranian delegation included Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs Hamid Kanberi, and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, while the US side was represented by Witkoff alongside President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

NUCLEAR ISSUES AND THE NEGOTIATION AGENDA

The most debated topics between the parties are Iran's uranium enrichment activities and the shipment of enriched uranium outside the country. These issues constitute the main areas of disagreement in the negotiations. The US agenda also extends beyond the nuclear program to include Iran's ballistic missiles and its support for armed groups in the region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed that regional security issues be included in the negotiations beyond the nuclear deal. However, Iran argues that an agreement should only be made regarding the nuclear program. Iran is demanding a “fair, mutually acceptable, and honorable agreement.”

TENSIONS AND DIFFICULTIES IN DIPLOMATIC PROGRESS

Iran stated that it expects the US to approach the negotiations with responsibility, realism, and seriousness in order to achieve progress. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, “We hope the US side will participate in the process with a genuine sense of responsibility.”