Iran seeks a “real and fair” nuclear deal with the US, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s senior adviser Ali Shamkhani declared Friday. Shamkhani confirmed Tehran’s readiness to present “implementable proposals” during indirect talks in Oman on Saturday.
Longtime adversaries Iran and the US will hold negotiations in Muscat on Saturday. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leads Iran’s delegation with “full authority” for indirect discussions. Shamkhani urged Washington to demonstrate goodwill for a “clear and smooth” path forward.
Military Threats and Sanctions
President Donald Trump recently warned of possible military action if talks fail. Iran countered by threatening to expel UN nuclear inspectors, which the US called an “escalation.” Tehran denies pursuing nuclear weapons, asserting its program remains peaceful. However, ahead of the talks, the US imposed fresh sanctions targeting Iran’s oil and nuclear sectors. Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami dismissed the measures, claiming sanctions failed to halt progress. Meanwhile, regional tensions flare as Iran-backed groups face setbacks in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
During his first term, Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and reinstated extensive sanctions. Iran adhered to the agreement for a year but later rolled back its commitments. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported in February that Iran had approximately 274.8 kilograms of uranium enriched to up to 60%, with weapons-grade uranium requiring around 90% enrichment. Iran has also expanded its number of centrifuges.
With threats and sanctions escalating, the Oman summit could redefine Middle East stability—or deepen its crises.
