In a move that could reshape Middle East diplomacy, Iran has announced it will engage in high-level nuclear talks with the United States this Saturday in Oman, a Gulf nation known for its neutral stance and mediation efforts.
Trump’s Threats Add Pressure
The talks were announced earlier this week by Donald Trump, who issued a stern warning: “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing — the likes of which they’ve never seen before.” The White House reinforced this message, saying Iran would face “all hell to pay” if it failed to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Iran Responds with Calm Determination
Despite the fiery rhetoric, Iran has decided to proceed. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on X (formerly Twitter), “In earnest and with candid vigilance, we are giving diplomacy a genuine chance.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will lead Iran’s delegation, while US special envoy Steve Witkoff will represent Washington. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi will mediate the indirect talks, as Iran insists it will not negotiate with the US directly.
Iran Warns Against “Bullying”
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e Ravanchi stressed that “without threats and intimidation, there’s a good possibility of reaching an accord.” He warned, however, that Iran would not tolerate “bullying and coercion” from the US.
Iran Prepares “Practical Proposals”
Ali Shamkhani, adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, said that Iran has prepared “important and practical” proposals for a “real and fair” agreement. He added that if the US comes to the table with sincere intentions, a deal is within reach.
A Complex History
This round of negotiations comes after Trump, during his first term, pulled the US out of the 2015 nuclear agreement, which had placed strict limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief.
Since then, Iran has steadily increased its enrichment levels, drawing concern from the West that it could be edging closer to building nuclear weapons — a claim Tehran denies, insisting its program is for peaceful energy purposes.
Regional Tensions Simmer
Tensions remain high in the region. Iran’s allies, including the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have been engaged in conflicts across the Middle East. Israel has resumed strikes against Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which are supported by Iran, making diplomacy even more crucial.
Direct or Indirect Talks?
While Trump claimed the discussions would be direct, Iran clarified that they would only participate in indirect talks through Omani mediators. Shamkhani confirmed Araqchi has “full authority” to negotiate.
With years of mistrust, military threats, and failed diplomacy behind them, both sides now face a critical test — can they find a path to peace, or will confrontation take over once again?
