The U. S. and Iran are set to have talks in Oman on Friday, focusing solely on Iran’s nuclear program as Tehran has requested a change from Turkey to avoid discussing its ballistic missile program. Iran considers its missile capabilities to be a non-negotiable issue, maintaining that it will not make any concessions. Following attacks from Israel, Iran claims to have bolstered its missile stockpile and has warned it will defend itself with these missiles if necessary.
Tensions have risen in the region, especially after the U. S. military shot down an Iranian drone and there was a confrontation involving Iranian boats and a U. S.-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Concerns about an escalating conflict have caused oil prices to rise. U. S. President Donald Trump has expressed that serious consequences could follow if a deal is not reached, increasing pressure on Iran amid mutual threats of air strikes.
President Trump mentioned ongoing negotiations but did not disclose details about the expected location for the talks. Key figures in the discussions will include Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, U. S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. While several other regional ministers were anticipated to attend, Iran is seeking direct bilateral discussions with the U. S.
In terms of demands for resuming talks, Trump has insisted on zero uranium enrichment, limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program, and an end to Iran’s support for regional groups, all of which Iran deems unacceptable and an infringement on its sovereignty. Iranian officials have indicated that they may be willing to show some flexibility on uranium enrichment but see the missile program as more problematic.
Tensions also escalated with an incident where Iranian forces threatened a U. S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, leading the tanker to evade the confrontation. Overall, the diplomatic goal remains to avoid conflict and ease rising tensions between the two nations.
With information from Reuters
