Iran and the US will hold technical and high-level nuclear talks in Oman on Saturday, building on recent progress. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Muscat on Friday, while US envoy Steve Witkoff leads the American delegation.
Araghchi’s Cautious Optimism
Araghchi expressed cautious optimism, stating Iran could meet US demands if they remain “achievable.” He warned against “impractical or illogical” conditions. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reiterated threats of military action but emphasized preferring “a deal over bombs.”
Michael Anton heads the US technical team, while Iran’s deputy foreign ministers lead their experts. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi mediates. Iranian spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stressed securing Tehran’s “lawful right to peaceful nuclear energy” and lifting sanctions swiftly.
Trump reinstated sanctions after abandoning the 2015 nuclear deal. Recent US sanctions on Iran’s oil network drew Tehran’s ire ahead of talks. Western nations accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies.
UN Scrutiny Over Nuclear Activity
UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi pressed Iran to explain tunnel construction near Natanz. Satellite images revealed new tunnels, raising concerns about undeclared materials. Tehran has not commented.
US Secretary Marco Rubio opposed Iran’s uranium enrichment, urging imports of enriched material instead. Iran enriches uranium to 60%, below weapons-grade levels but beyond 2015 limits. Araghchi insists enrichment rights are non-negotiable.
Iran seeks dialogue with Britain, France, and Germany, though ties remain strained. Araghchi offered visits to European capitals for talks. Rubio urged Europe to consider triggering sanctions “snapback” by October, a move Iran warns could prompt withdrawal from non-proliferation treaties.
With deadlines looming, both sides face pressure to reconcile demands. The talks mark their highest-level engagement since 2015, testing whether diplomacy can avert escalation.
