The United States and Iran are due to resume diplomatic discussions this Saturday, marking a significant development in the longstanding dispute over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Former US President Donald Trump announced the planned meeting, suggesting it would be a “very big” and direct negotiation, although Iranian officials later clarified the talks would be held indirectly in Oman. Trump indicated that while a deal was preferable, failure could lead to dangerous consequences, warning that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon”.
++ Technical glitch halts Musk’s federal staff efficiency drive
The statement from Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed the location of the talks in Oman and reiterated that they would be indirect, framing the discussions as both a chance and a test. This would be the first such engagement since the Obama administration, following years of US-Iran contact only through intermediaries. Talks have remained stalled for years, with Iran demanding a rollback of sanctions and an end to threats before agreeing to direct negotiations.
Tensions have escalated further with Trump’s previous threats of military action should diplomacy fail. He recently stated that “if they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing”, referencing potential US strikes against Iranian targets. The Trump administration had previously withdrawn from the JCPOA, a multilateral accord designed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, efforts by successive US administrations to revive the agreement have faltered.
++ US to gauge Putin’s commitment to peace within weeks, says Marco Rubio
Meanwhile, regional tensions continue to mount. US forces have resumed strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, amid ongoing attacks in the Red Sea. The White House reported over 200 airstrikes against Houthi positions last week, holding Iran responsible for their actions. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that Iranian influence had been significantly reduced, yet confirmed operations would continue until maritime security in the region is restored.
