The United States and Iran have confirmed that they will hold direct nuclear negotiations on Friday in Muscat, the capital of Oman, marking a significant diplomatic engagement at a time of heightened tensions across West Asia. The talks are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. local time, following days of uncertainty over the venue, format and scope of the discussions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the meeting on social media and expressed gratitude to the Omani government for facilitating the dialogue. Oman has long been regarded as a neutral intermediary in regional diplomacy and has previously hosted sensitive rounds of US-Iran negotiations.
According to diplomatic sources, Istanbul was initially considered as a possible venue, with the option of involving regional stakeholders. Tehran, however, pressed for a strictly bilateral format, a shift in location to Muscat, and a narrowly defined agenda focused on Iran’s nuclear programme and the lifting of US sanctions. These demands ultimately shaped the structure of the talks.
The Iranian delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. On the US side, West Asia envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to participate. Media reports have also suggested the possible presence of Jared Kushner, though no official confirmation has been issued.
The negotiations come at a particularly strained moment in US-Iran relations. In June 2025, a 12-day conflict involving Israel saw US forces strike and severely damage key Iranian nuclear facilities, effectively halting Tehran’s nuclear programme at that time. More recently, Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests has further complicated the diplomatic landscape.
US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stating that he “should be very worried.” US officials have emphasized that while Iran seeks to limit the talks to nuclear issues and sanctions relief, Washington intends to raise concerns over Tehran’s ballistic missile programme and its support for regional proxy groups.
Ahead of the negotiations, the United States has reinforced its military posture in West Asia, deploying aircraft carriers and strike platforms as a signal of preparedness amid the sensitive diplomatic process.
This round of talks represents a rare instance of direct, face-to-face engagement after prolonged periods of indirect diplomacy. Analysts note that while the discussions offer a narrow opportunity for de-escalation, they also carry the risk of renewed confrontation if the two sides fail to bridge their differences. The outcome is expected to have far-reaching implications for regional stability, global energy markets and international non-proliferation efforts.
