US-Iran Talks in Oman Sets as War Fears Intensify

As diplomatic channels reopen in the Gulf, Iran and the United States are preparing for sensitive negotiations in Oman that could shape the future of regional security. Although both governments said that they want to revive dialogue, sharp disagreements over the scope of the talks that underline how fragile the process remains. Consequently, the risk of renewed conflict in the Middle East continues to loom large.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are expected to meet in Muscat on Friday. The talks come at a moment of heightened tension that follows a recent military strike and an expanded U.S. naval presence near Iran. While diplomacy is back on the table, officials on both sides have made clear that expectations will differ significantly.

Clashing Agendas has threatening early progress of the US-Iran Talks

At the centre of the dispute is what the negotiations should actually cover. Washington has said that it wants a comprehensive discussion that goes beyond nuclear issues. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that talks should address Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missiles, regional armed groups, and the “treatment of their own people”. However, Iran has drawn a firm line. Tehran insisted that only nuclear-related matters would be discussed in Oman.

Meanwhile, Araqchi signaled caution ahead of the meeting. He wrote on X that Iran would engage “with open eyes and a steady memory of the past year”. He added that, “Commitments need to be honored. Equal standing, mutual respect, and mutual interest are not rhetoric. They are a must and the pillars of a durable agreement”. Because of these conflicting priorities, analysts also said that any immediate breakthrough appears unlikely. Even so, both sides will appear with the will to test whether limited progress is still possible.

Military Escalation Raises Stakes Ahead of Oman Talks

The talks follow a turbulent period. In June, the United States went on to strike Iranian nuclear facilities during the closing phase of a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign. Since then, Tehran has said that its uranium enrichment activities have stopped. Although it maintains that, enrichment remains its sovereign right.

Meanwhile, Trump has increased pressure by deploying a massive U.S. naval “armada” near Iran. The buildup followed a violent crackdown on protests inside the Iran last month, which further strained relations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that while diplomacy is being explored, Trump “has many options at his disposal, aside from diplomacy”.

Trump has also cautioned that “bad things” would likely occur if negotiations fail. In response, Iran has warned that it would retaliate forcefully against any attack. They have also alerted neighboring countries that host the U.S. bases. They said that they could also become targets.

Iran Signals Nuclear Flexibility but Holds Firm on Missiles

Despite its tough rhetoric, Iran has privately indicated some willingness to compromise on nuclear issues. Officials told Reuters that Tehran could show “flexibility on uranium enrichment”, which includes handing over 400 kg of highly enriched uranium and accepting zero enrichment under a consortium model. Nevertheless, Iran insists its right to enrichment is non-negotiable.

By contrast, Tehran has categorically rejected discussions on its missile programme. Hours before the talks, Iranian state television reported that the Khorramshahr-4 long-range ballistic missile had been deployed at an underground Revolutionary Guards base.

Given these constraints, former UN weapons inspector Edmund Fitton-Brown said that it was “very difficult” to see Iran conceding enough for Washington to claim a diplomatic breakthrough. As a result, he warned that military conflict may now be “more likely than not”. Although Iran’s regional influence has been weakened by Israeli attacks on its allies and the fall of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.

Web Resources on the US-Iran Talks in Oman

1. Reuters.com: Iran, US to negotiate in Oman amid deep rifts and mounting war fears
2. NYTimes.com: US and Iran is Set for Talks in Oman
3. WSJ.com: U.S. and Iran Gather for High Stakes Nuclear Talks
4. Aljazeera.com: Critical talks to begin in Oman in push to prevent war