Preliminary diplomatic talks between American and Iranian officials regarding Tehran’s nuclear program commenced on Saturday in Oman, with expectations that a brief handshake may be the primary outcome. Such an exchange could facilitate ongoing discussions and potentially lead to the first official face-to-face negotiations since the U.S. withdrew from a significant nuclear accord seven years ago.
The talks, taking place in Muscat, are intended to assess the possibility of moving toward full negotiations aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear activities. Both sides entered the discussions with a backdrop of deep distrust, stemming from the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the subsequent imposition of severe sanctions on Iran during the Trump administration.
U.S. officials, including Steve Witkoff, leading the American delegation, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Oman to begin the discussions. The Iranian delegation expressed openness to initial understandings that could pave the way for future negotiations, although they remain skeptical about the U.S. approach.
The primary objectives of the meeting are modest, focusing on establishing a framework for negotiations and a timeline. It remains uncertain whether direct communication will occur between the two sides or if intermediaries will relay messages. Oman’s foreign minister facilitated separate meetings with both delegations to outline the format for the talks.
Iran's officials have indicated a willingness to discuss scaling back uranium enrichment and allowing external monitoring of its nuclear activities, although they are not prepared to consider dismantling their nuclear program, a point emphasized by U.S. officials.
Experts suggest that a simple handshake might serve as a diplomatic gesture to maintain momentum without delving into direct negotiations. President Trump has indicated that he will rely on instinct to gauge the potential for further negotiations, which he will terminate if they do not progress favorably.
The backdrop of these talks is the diminishing power of the original nuclear deal, which has been sustained by European leaders since the U.S. withdrawal in 2018. The most stringent restrictions of the accord are set to expire in October. Known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the deal was designed to lift sanctions against Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear program.
Concerns persist regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities, with experts fearing that its advancements could threaten Israel and potentially enable the sharing of nuclear technology with terrorist organizations. Iran has consistently asserted that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes, although its enrichment levels have raised alarms.
In the years following the U.S. exit from the nuclear deal, Iran has accelerated its uranium enrichment, with some experts estimating that it could soon develop a nuclear weapon. The Iranian economy has suffered under U.S. sanctions, and new measures targeting Iran's oil trade have been implemented.
Israeli officials express apprehension over Iran's nuclear ambitions, advocating for the destruction of its nuclear sites under U.S. supervision. Iran's delegation is expected to extend diplomatic discussions to delay potential Israeli military action and to navigate the impending October deadline for U.N. sanctions.
While experts predict that Israel may ultimately resort to military action against Iran, the Trump administration has also increased military readiness in the region. President Trump has expressed a desire to avoid further conflict while remaining prepared for military options if necessary.
Iranian officials assert their preference for diplomacy but emphasize their capability to defend themselves, indicating a complex interplay of negotiation and potential conflict as the situation develops.