US and Iran confirm nuclear talks will be held Friday in Oman
2026-02-04 - 21:55
Iran officially announced Wednesday evening that its nuclear negotiations with the United States are set to take place in Muscat, Oman, on Friday morning, confirming a shift in venue from earlier proposals. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated the talks would begin around 10 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) and expressed gratitude to Omani authorities for their facilitation. Venue shift from Türkiye to Oman The confirmation from Tehran followed a similar acknowledgment from a White House official, solidifying Oman as the host despite earlier reports of a dispute. Initial plans had centered on Istanbul, Türkiye, following Ankara's active diplomatic efforts to mediate and lower tensions between the two adversaries. The move to Muscat highlights Oman's established role as a neutral intermediary in the region, often hosting sensitive back-channel dialogues. Iran's red lines on negotiation scope Even as the location was settled, Iranian officials signaled strict limits on the talks' agenda. A source cited by Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency stated that U.S. attempts to "raise issues outside the nuclear framework, including defense matters" would be rejected. The source declared such demands "fundamentally non-negotiable," linked directly to national security and Iran's deterrent capability. Iran presented itself as ready for nuclear discussions "within a defined framework based on mutual respect," but warned that excessive demands could cause deadlock. High-stakes context of the meeting The scheduled diplomatic engagement occurs against a backdrop of heightened military threat. Tensions have been fueled by a significant U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf and repeated threats from President Donald Trump. The U.S. and its ally Israel accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies, insisting its program is for peaceful energy purposes. The success of the talks in Oman may hinge on whether both sides can find a narrow path for discussion amidst these profound mutual distrust and conflicting priorities.