In a surprising twist, President Donald Trump declared Monday that the U.S. and Iran are set for direct nuclear talks—only for Tehran to immediately counter that any discussions would be indirect, mediated by Oman.
The conflicting statements highlight the deep mistrust between the two nations, with Trump warning that failure in negotiations could put Iran in “great danger.”
A Clash of Statements
Speaking in the Oval Office alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump claimed:
“We’re having direct talks with Iran… It’ll go on Saturday. We have a very big meeting, and we’ll see what can happen.”
But just hours later, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that talks would be indirect, facilitated by Oman.
“It is as much an opportunity as it is a test,” Araqchi wrote. “The ball is in America’s court.”
A History of Failed Negotiations
The U.S. and Iran have not held direct nuclear talks since the Obama-era 2015 deal, which Trump abandoned in 2018. Since then, Iran has ramped up uranium enrichment, while the U.S. has tightened sanctions.
Recent attempts at indirect negotiations under Biden went nowhere. Now, with tensions at a boiling point—including Israeli-Iranian clashes, U.S. strikes in Yemen, and war in Gaza—the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Trump’s Warning: “A Very Bad Day for Iran”
Trump made it clear that diplomacy is his preference, but he also issued a veiled threat:
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon… If the talks aren’t successful, I actually think it will be a very bad day for Iran.”
Netanyahu, a longtime critic of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, cautiously supported the talks—but only if they completely dismantle Iran’s program, as was done with Libya in 2003.
Why Oman?
Oman has long served as a neutral mediator between Washington and Tehran. This time, its foreign minister is expected to shuttle messages between the two sides.
But Iran’s state media dismissed Trump’s claim of direct talks as a “psychological operation” to sway public opinion.
Can a Deal Actually Happen?
Experts are skeptical. Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, has repeatedly said direct talks with the U.S. are “not smart, wise, or honorable.”
Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official hinted that time is running short—if no deal is reached within two months, Israel might launch its own attack.
What’s Next?
With regional conflicts escalating and both sides digging in their heels, these talks—whether direct or indirect—could be the last chance to avoid a wider war.
