Iran and the United States will hold talks today in Oman regarding Tehran’s nuclear program, Reuters reports.
News agency says disputes over the agenda — particularly disagreements related to Iran’s missile program — indicate that achieving progress will be difficult.
Although both sides have expressed readiness to revive diplomacy over the long-running nuclear dispute between Tehran and the West, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said two days ago that Washington wants the talks to address not only Iran’s nuclear program, but also its ballistic missiles, support for armed groups in the region, and its treatment of its own population.
Iran, however, has stated that it wants the talks in Muscat to focus exclusively on nuclear issues. Tehran says the negotiations will be held between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, in the Omani capital Muscat.
“Iran is entering diplomacy with open eyes and firm memories from the past year. We participate in good faith and stand firmly on our rights. Commitments must be honored. Equal status, mutual respect, and mutual interest are not rhetoric — they are essential foundations for a durable agreement,” Araghchi said.
Iranian leadership remains concerned that US President Donald Trump could once again threaten military strikes against Iran, amid the deployment of US naval forces near Iranian territory.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday that Trump is seeking to determine whether an agreement is possible and that, beyond diplomacy, he has many other options.
“While these talks are ongoing, I want to remind the Iranian regime that the president, as commander-in-chief of the most powerful military force in world history, has many options beyond diplomacy,” Leavitt said.
Iran, for its part, warned the United States that it would respond forcefully to any military strike, adding that neighboring countries hosting US bases could find themselves on the front line if they are involved in an attack.
