Muscat (TDI): Iran and the United States on Friday opened sensitive negotiations in Oman aimed at easing long-running tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program, though deep disagreements over the scope of talks have cast doubt on the chances of an early breakthrough.
The discussions are taking place against the backdrop of growing fears that diplomatic failure could push the region toward open conflict.
Both sides have expressed willingness to return to diplomacy, but Washington has made clear it wants the dialogue to go beyond nuclear matters. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this week that the talks should also address Iran’s ballistic missile program, its backing of armed groups across the Middle East, and what he described as Iran’s domestic human rights situation.
Tehran, however, has rejected any expansion of the agenda. Iranian officials insist that discussions in Muscat, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, must remain strictly focused on nuclear issues.
Ahead of the talks, Araghchi called for respect and balance, saying Iran was entering negotiations “with open eyes” and a clear memory of past experiences. Writing on X, he stressed that lasting agreements require equal footing and mutual commitment, not slogans. He added that Iran would engage seriously while firmly defending its rights.
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Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei echoed that position, saying Iran seeks a fair and dignified outcome and expects the US to approach the talks with realism and responsibility, according to Reuters.
Despite the diplomatic tone, tensions remain high. Iranian leaders are increasingly uneasy over repeated warnings from US President Donald Trump, who has not ruled out military action. The US has recently increased its naval presence near Iran, a move Trump has described as deploying a powerful “armada.”
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The buildup follows a violent crackdown on protests across Iran last month, which further strained relations between Tehran and Washington. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is open to a deal but emphasized that military options remain firmly on the table if diplomacy fails.
Trump has warned of serious consequences should negotiations collapse, while Iran has said it would respond forcefully to any attack and has cautioned neighboring states hosting US bases that they could also be drawn into a conflict.
