Iran and the US are set to restart nuclear negotiations on Sunday in Muscat, even as contentious divisions exist on major red lines. The talks are taking place barely a week before US President Donald Trump visits Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Both Tehran and Washington prefer to use diplomacy, but both remain entrenched on core issues.
The US insists on complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, while Iran will not budge on its right to enrich uranium. These new negotiations are the fourth round of talks, headed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and will be facilitated by Oman.
Washington Takes a Hard Line Before Talks
US representative Steve Witkoff explained Washington’s position before Sunday’s meeting. Speaking to Breitbart News in an interview, he indicated that the US red line is “no enrichment. That means dismantlement, no weaponization.” He specifically mentioned the necessity of dismantling Iran’s nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
Steve Witkoff indicated that if Sunday’s negotiations fail, the US will “take a different route,” which would mean a possible military escalation.
Tehran Won’t Give Up Nuclear Rights
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi replied bluntly. “Iran negotiates in good faith,” he said, “but will not retreat from its rights.” Tehran says it will not stop enrichment or relinquish its uranium reserve.
Iranian diplomats say the US public position complicates negotiations. A senior Iranian negotiator, who asked not to be named, said, “Zero enrichment and destruction sites won’t advance progress.”
Iran Seeks Sanctions Relief, US Pushes Maximum Pressure
Tehran is willing to some constraints on nuclear work for the removal of sanctions. It is not willing to negotiate over its ballistic missile program or welcome another American withdrawal from any future agreement. Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign since leaving the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018.
Iran, asserting peaceful intentions, has significantly ramped up uranium enrichment—currently to as high as 60% purity, near weapons-grade.
Talks Amid Distrust and Deadlines
Sunday’s negotiations were originally scheduled for May 3 in Rome but were postponed for “logistical reasons,” Oman said. The postponed meeting in Muscat will push both sides to compromise. Trump is to visit the Gulf a few days later, and regional and international stakes are high.
Both nations are under pressure to de-escalate, but neither appears poised to move red lines.
