Iran and U.S. Begin Indirect Nuclear Talks in Oman After Years of Stalemate

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: In a significant diplomatic development, indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States have officially commenced in the Omani capital, Muscat, marking the first such engagement in years. The talks are being facilitated by Omani intermediaries, with each delegation stationed in separate rooms and messages relayed through Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, the discussions are being conducted in strict adherence to Tehran’s insistence on indirect communication. The Iranian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, while the U.S. team is headed by President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

Upon his arrival, Araqchi held an initial meeting with Al Busaidi to convey Iran’s official position, after which the Omani diplomat met with the U.S. envoy to transmit Iran’s messages.

A Diplomatic Opening Amid Past Tensions

Iranian officials have underscored that the talks are an opportunity to give diplomacy a “genuine chance”, provided that Washington demonstrates “resolve and goodwill.” The negotiations aim to lay the groundwork for a new agreement to replace the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the United States unilaterally withdrew from during Trump’s first term.

Tehran has repeatedly rejected calls for direct talks, citing the “maximum pressure” campaign, including economic sanctions and threats of military action, pursued by the Trump administration.

Focused on the Nuclear Issue

Araqchi emphasized that the discussions are focused solely on nuclear matters and that Iran seeks a “fair and honorable agreement from a position of equality.” He added that if the United States demonstrates seriousness, both sides could begin exploring a timeline for sustained negotiations.

“Iran is not looking to drag this process out unnecessarily,” Araqchi said after meeting his Omani counterpart. “But progress must be built on mutual respect, not coercion.”

The Muscat talks are being watched closely by the international community as a potential first step toward de-escalating long-standing tensions in the Middle East and restoring a diplomatic framework for addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.