Iran and U.S to Resume Crucial Talks in Oman Aiming for New Nuclear Agreement

MUSCAT, April 26 – In a critical diplomatic move, senior negotiators from Iran and the United States are preparing to meet again this Saturday in Oman. The primary goal is to develop a new agreement aimed at curbing Tehran’s expanding nuclear program, amid growing international concern. As the new talks approach, U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced confidence that a fresh agreement could successfully prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

Indirect negotiations are expected between Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, facilitated by Omani mediators. Their meeting follows a recent round of talks in Rome, which officials from both sides had earlier described as constructive and promising.

Building a Framework for a New Agreement

Saturday’s talks are set to begin with technical experts laying the groundwork for a possible nuclear agreement. These groundwork sessions are considered vital to establish a shared understanding before the lead negotiators engage in more sensitive indirect talks.

In a Friday interview, President Trump expressed confidence that securing a new agreement with Iran is possible. However, he also made it clear that if diplomatic efforts fail, the option of military action against Iran remains firmly on the table. While both Tehran and Washington have publicly committed to finding a peaceful solution, deep divisions persist after more than two decades of mistrust and conflict over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

During his first term, Trump famously withdrew from the 2015 nuclear pact known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — which had been signed by Iran and six world powers. Following the U.S. withdrawal, Washington reimposed sweeping economic sanctions on Tehran, reinstating a “maximum pressure” campaign that aimed to cripple Iran’s economy and force new concessions.

Nuclear Enrichment: The Heart of the Dispute

Since 2019, Iran has gradually scaled back its commitments under the 2015 agreement, significantly ramping up its uranium enrichment activities. According to the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, Iran is now enriching uranium up to 60% purity — alarmingly close to the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade material.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized earlier this week that any new agreement would require Iran to completely cease its uranium enrichment activities. Under the proposed conditions, Iran would instead be expected to import enriched uranium needed for civilian energy purposes, particularly to fuel its Bushehr nuclear power plant, which remains the country’s only functioning atomic energy facility.

However, Iranian officials have indicated that while Tehran is open to negotiating certain limitations on its nuclear activities, ending its enrichment program entirely or surrendering its stockpile of enriched uranium remains non-negotiable. These are considered “red lines” that Tehran will not cross, according to officials familiar with Iran’s negotiation stance.

Broader Issues: Missiles and Regional Security

Beyond the immediate nuclear concerns, other thorny issues threaten to complicate the Oman discussions. European diplomats have quietly urged U.S. negotiators to seek a broader agreement that would include restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities — specifically to prevent the development of missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads.

However, Tehran continues to stand its ground, refusing to allow its missile program to be part of the negotiations. Iranian officials emphasize that their missile arsenal is solely intended for defense and forms an essential pillar of the nation’s security policy. A source close to the negotiations mentioned on Friday that Tehran views any effort to bring its missile activities into the talks as a major stumbling block.

In the broader context, Iran’s leadership views the current discussions as a pivotal opportunity to secure relief from the crushing U.S.-led sanctions that have severely impacted its economy. However, Iranian officials have stressed that any agreement must respect the country’s sovereign rights and security interests.

With critical differences still unresolved and both sides wary of repeating past mistakes, the path toward a new nuclear agreement remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the willingness to return to the table signals that neither Tehran nor Washington is ready to abandon diplomacy just yet. All eyes will be on Muscat this weekend, where the outcomes of these indirect talks could determine the future course of U.S.-Iran relations and by extension, the stability of the broader Middle East.