In a rare and high-stakes diplomatic move, Iran has announced it will participate in nuclear talks with the United States, expressing a willingness to give negotiations “a genuine chance.” The discussions, set for Saturday in Oman, will be mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff leading their respective delegations.
This development comes just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump—who recently returned to the White House—issued a blunt warning that if Iran refuses to strike a deal, “there will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.” The statement sharply raised tensions and put added pressure on Iran’s decision to engage.
Despite Trump’s confrontational stance, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated on Friday that diplomacy remains their preferred path. “We are entering these talks with sincerity and alertness,” said ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei. “We’re giving diplomacy a real opportunity.” Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e Ravanchi reinforced the message, stating Iran is open to agreement—so long as it is not under threats or coercion.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff made it clear that America’s “red line” is preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. However, he hinted at flexibility, saying the U.S. would explore “other ways to find compromise.”
The backdrop to these talks is complex. During Trump’s first term, he pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal—originally brokered by the Obama administration—that restricted Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for lifting sanctions. Since then, Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of enriched uranium, moving closer to weapons-grade levels, though it maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes.
Meanwhile, tensions across the Middle East have escalated. Israel, a firm U.S. ally and staunch critic of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, has resumed strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza and remains locked in a fragile truce with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iranian-aligned groups like the Houthis in Yemen have also come under U.S. air attacks after disrupting global shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Hamas.
Iran’s top adviser, Ali Shamkhani, confirmed that “important and practical proposals” have been prepared to secure what Tehran calls “a fair and real” deal. “If Washington comes to the table with a genuine will to resolve this issue, a solution is very possible,” Shamkhani posted on X.
Confusion remains over whether the talks will be direct. While Trump initially announced face-to-face negotiations, Iran insists discussions will be indirect, using Omani officials as intermediaries. Araqchi is reportedly traveling to Oman with full authority to participate in these indirect discussions.
Previous indirect talks during President Joe Biden’s term achieved little progress. Now, all eyes are on Oman to see whether this fresh round of diplomacy—under the shadow of Trump’s threats—can succeed where earlier efforts failed.
As the world watches, the question remains: Will these talks lead to de-escalation, or are both nations inching closer to a dangerous confrontation?
