Oman reaffirms commitment to facilitating US-Iran nuclear dialogue

2026-02-26 - 11:12

Oman reiterated its commitment to supporting and facilitating ongoing dialogue between the United States and Iran on Thursday, as the mediator nation worked to bridge positions during the third round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi met with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi late Wednesday and was scheduled to meet with the US negotiating team to convey perspectives from both sides. Building on Guiding Principles According to an Omani Foreign Ministry statement on X, the discussions examined "the viewpoints and proposals that Iran plans to put forward to help secure an agreement on the nuclear issue." These proposals build on the "guiding principles" agreed upon during the last round of negotiations in Geneva on February 17, after which both sides offered positive assessments about the potential for a deal. Albusaidi's shuttle diplomacy involves carrying Iranian perspectives to the American team and relaying Washington's ideas and proposals back to Tehran. Critical Juncture Albusaidi's intensive engagement comes as the two sides test whether the constructive atmosphere of previous rounds can translate into concrete progress. Following his arrival in Geneva, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with the Omani foreign minister to exchange notes and discuss the Iranian draft proposal submitted through Omani mediators. The talks occur against a backdrop of significant US military buildup in the Persian Gulf region and recent drills by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, lending urgency to diplomatic efforts. Mediator's Role Oman has long served as a trusted intermediary between Tehran and Washington, maintaining diplomatic channels even during periods of heightened tension. The sultanate's ability to communicate with both sides and propose bridging formulations has proven invaluable in past negotiations, including those that led to the 2015 nuclear deal. As this round proceeds, all eyes remain on Oman's capacity to help the parties find common ground on sanctions relief and nuclear restrictions before President Trump's stated deadline for a deal expires.