High-Stakes US-Iran Nuclear Talks Begin in Muscat Amid Tensions and Threats

Muscat – The United States and Iran have commenced high-stakes indirect talks in the Omani capital of Muscat aimed at reviving a nuclear deal, with President Donald Trump warning of potential military action if the negotiations fail.

The negotiations, facilitated by an unnamed intermediary, come amid heightened tensions as both nations seek a new agreement following Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term in 2018. While the U.S. pushed for direct talks, Iran insisted on indirect negotiations, reflecting the deep mistrust between the two long-time adversaries.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is leading Tehran’s delegation, while Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff heads the American team. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s desire for a “fair and honourable agreement” and stressed the talks must be from an “equal position.”

Facing growing economic pressure and regional isolation, Iran is seeking relief from harsh U.S. sanctions, especially as its allies in Lebanon and Gaza face continued military pressure from Israel. The U.S., in coordination with Israel, remains determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Witkoff, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, reiterated Washington’s demand for Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, but signaled potential room for compromise. “There can’t be weaponisation of your nuclear capability,” he said, outlining the U.S. red line.

Trump, who announced the talks alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week, reiterated his stance: “I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country. But they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”

In response to Trump’s threats of military action, Iranian officials warned they could expel United Nations nuclear inspectors — a move Washington warned would be seen as an escalation.

The 2015 nuclear agreement, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), aimed to block Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon while allowing civilian nuclear development. Since the U.S. exit from the deal, Iran has ramped up its enrichment activities, with recent IAEA reports confirming alarming uranium stockpiles close to weapons-grade levels.

Middle East expert Karim Bitar noted that the talks are likely to address more than just the nuclear issue. “The deal would have to include Iran stopping its support to its regional allies,” he said, highlighting pressure from U.S. allies in the Gulf.

With Iran’s economy struggling under sanctions and growing domestic dissatisfaction, analysts believe Tehran’s participation in the talks is driven by the regime’s need for economic relief and political survival.

Read more: US and Iran to Hold Nuclear Talks in Oman Today

As both sides remain firm on key issues, the outcome of the Muscat talks could shape the future of U.S.-Iran relations — and the broader Middle East — for years to come.