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Iran and the U.S. are now holding high-level talks in Oman to try resolving disagreements over Tehran’s nuclear activities. However, expanding the agenda to include Iran’s missile program, regional support for armed groups, and internal human rights issues threatens to derail negotiations and could spark further conflict in the Middle East.
Both nations have indicated openness to diplomatic efforts regarding Iran’s nuclear dispute, but Washington aims to broaden discussions to encompass missile development, support for regional militants, and the treatment of their citizens, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Iran, on the other hand, insists that the nuclear issue remains its sole focus during the talks in Muscat and has declined to discuss its missile capabilities.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are leading the negotiations, with Jared Kushner—the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump and a mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks—also participating.
Araqchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to negotiations with clear eyes, recalling past experiences, and stressed that commitments must be honored. Tehran remains cautious, concerned that Trump may still authorize military action amid increased U.S. naval presence near Iran. Relations have been tense since the U.S. conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear targets last June, following an Israeli bombing campaign, although Tehran claims it halted uranium enrichment activities.
The recent U.S. military buildup, described by Trump as a significant “armada,” follows a brutal crackdown on protests across Iran, intensifying tensions. Trump has warned Iran that if a deal isn’t reached, “bad things” could happen, adding pressure amid mutual threats of airstrikes.
The White House’s press secretary has warned the Iranian regime that the U.S. president has many options beyond diplomacy. Iran has pledged a strong response to any possible military attack and has warned neighboring Gulf Arab allies—who host U.S. military bases—that they might be caught in the crossfire if involved in hostilities. Iran possesses one of the largest stocks of ballistic missiles in the Middle East.
Negotiators in Oman must carefully navigate Iran’s position on its missile program, as Tehran has firmly refused to discuss its defense capabilities, including missile range and technology. Regardless, Iran has showcased its advanced missile systems, including the Khorramshahr-4, reportedly deployed in underground facilities.
Tehran is open to negotiating uranium enrichment, including potentially handing over certain quantities of highly enriched uranium and agreeing to restrictions, but maintains that its right to enrich uranium is non-negotiable. It also demands the lifting of sanctions reimposed after Trump abandoned the 2015 nuclear deal, which Iran states is necessary for any substantive agreement. Western countries and Israel suspect Iran’s nuclear program is a cover for developing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies, asserting the program’s purely peaceful purposes.
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