U.S. President Donald Trump surprised many on Monday by announcing potential direct talks between the United States and Iran regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. However, Iran’s foreign minister clarified that the discussions in Oman would be held indirectly.
Trump issued a stern warning that if the talks do not yield results, Iran could face grave consequences. Iran had been resistant to Trump’s recent demands for direct negotiations over its nuclear program or face military action, a stance they seemed to maintain on Monday.
During talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump mentioned ongoing direct discussions with Iran, scheduled for Saturday. While expressing a preference for reaching a deal, he did not provide specific details about the talks’ location or the potential outcome.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed that high-level indirect talks would take place in Oman, calling it an opportunity and a test, with the ball in America’s court. The talks will be led by Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, with Oman’s foreign minister acting as an intermediary.
Direct talks between the U.S. and Iran have been rare, with the last known negotiations occurring during President Barack Obama’s tenure when the 2015 international nuclear deal was established, a deal later abandoned by Trump.
Trump’s warnings of military action against Iran had heightened tensions across the Middle East, especially following recent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, military operations in Yemen, leadership changes in Syria, and exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran.
Despite escalating rhetoric, Trump emphasized his preference for a diplomatic resolution over military confrontation regarding Iran’s nuclear program. He mentioned sending a letter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proposing talks, although Khamenei had previously dismissed negotiations with the U.S. as unwise.
Iran’s proposal for indirect negotiations awaited a response from the U.S., with Iranian officials describing their offer as generous and honourable. The Iranian media characterized Trump’s announcement of direct talks as a psychological operation aimed at influencing public opinion.
Netanyahu, who has been cautious about U.S.-Iran negotiations, expressed support for diplomacy to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump’s decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions has led Iran to exceed the deal’s uranium enrichment limits, sparking concerns among Western powers.
While Western countries suspect Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability, Tehran maintains its nuclear activities are solely for civilian energy purposes. The timing of the potential talks is critical for Iran’s regional influence, particularly amid challenges faced by its anti-Israel and anti-U.S. “Axis of Resistance.”
The axis has encountered setbacks due to recent conflicts and military actions in the region, weakening Iran’s strategic position. The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key Iranian ally, has further undermined Iran’s regional standing.
