On Friday, Iran announced its commitment to giving the upcoming high-level nuclear talks with the United States a “genuine chance,” just a day before scheduled discussions in Oman. The statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent warning that failure to reach an agreement could lead to military action.
Trump surprised many on Monday by revealing that direct talks between Washington and Tehran would begin in Oman—a Gulf nation known for its history of mediating between the West and Iran.
Despite the diplomatic opening, tensions remain high. On Friday, the White House reiterated Trump’s threat, with officials warning of “all hell to pay” if Iran does not agree to abandon its nuclear ambitions. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who will lead the American delegation, told the Wall Street Journal that preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon is a non-negotiable objective. He noted, however, that the U.S. remains open to “other ways to find compromise.”
Trump’s return to the presidency in January has revived a more confrontational approach toward Iran. During his first term, he withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had placed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Israel, a key U.S. ally, continues to view Iran’s nuclear development as an existential threat.
Meanwhile, Iran and its allied groups have been weakened by a series of Israeli military operations across the region—including airstrikes within Iran—following attacks launched by Hamas from Gaza in October 2023.
Iranian state media reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will represent Tehran in the talks, while Witkoff will lead the U.S. delegation. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi will serve as mediator.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized that Washington should appreciate Iran’s willingness to engage in dialogue despite what it described as America’s “prevailing confrontational hoopla.” Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated on X: “We intend to assess the other side’s intent and resolve this Saturday. In earnest and with candid vigilance, we are giving diplomacy a genuine chance.”
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e Ravanchi added, via ISNA, that a successful outcome is possible “if threats and intimidation from the American side stop,” warning that “we reject any bullying and coercion.”
Speculation over possible U.S. military action has intensified following airstrikes on Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group, which has targeted international shipping lanes in the Red Sea in support of Hamas. Israel, meanwhile, has resumed its military offensive against Hamas after a brief truce, and tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon—also backed by Iran—remain high.
Iran Readies ‘Important and Practical’ Proposals
Iran had previously refused direct talks with Washington, but Trump’s stark ultimatum on March 30—“If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing like never before”—appears to have shifted the dynamic.
Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, revealed that Tehran has prepared “important and practical” proposals aimed at achieving a “real and fair” agreement. He added on X: “If Washington comes to the talks with sincere intentions and a genuine will to reach an agreement, the path to a deal will be clear and smooth.”
Since Trump exited the 2015 deal—calling it flawed—Iran has steadily increased its uranium stockpile, enriching it to levels nearing weapons-grade. While Iran maintains its programme is solely for peaceful energy purposes, Western nations argue that the scope and scale suggest otherwise.
Confusion Over Format: Direct or Indirect?
Confusion remains over the format of the talks. Trump described them as direct negotiations, but Iranian officials insist the discussions will be indirect, with Oman mediating. Shamkhani confirmed Araqchi would travel to Oman with “full authority” to engage in indirect discussions.
Under President Joe Biden, the U.S. and Iran engaged in several rounds of indirect talks, but progress was minimal. The last time the two countries held direct negotiations was during Barack Obama’s administration, which oversaw the original 2015 accord.
