The United States and Iran have taken a significant step toward addressing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. On Saturday, the two countries wrapped up preliminary talks in Oman, with both sides describing the discussions as constructive. The meeting was mediated by Badr Al-Busaidi, Oman’s foreign minister.
These talks lasted for about 2.5 hours and were conducted indirectly. Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghachi, and U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff met face-to-face at the end of the discussions. This marks a potential thaw in relations, as the two nations have not engaged in official negotiations since former President Donald Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018.
Looking ahead, the negotiators have agreed to reconvene next Saturday. This next round could pave the way for official talks, which many hope will lead to a new agreement on Iran’s nuclear activities. The stakes are high, as there are differing opinions within the Trump administration about how to approach Iran’s nuclear ambitions. While some officials, including National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, advocate for completely dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, Witkoff has emphasized that the U.S. will focus on preventing the development of nuclear weapons as a key condition for any deal.
Trump has expressed a desire for Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons. He stated, “I want them not to have a nuclear weapon. I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country, but they can’t have a nuclear weapon.” He has set a two-month deadline for Iran to respond to a new nuclear deal proposal.
As the situation develops, many will be watching closely to see if these talks can lead to a breakthrough in U.S.-Iran relations, which have been strained for years. The upcoming discussions hold the promise of a new chapter in diplomacy between the two nations.