The United States and Iran are preparing for discussions on the Iranian nuclear program, which is expected to perform this Saturday in Oman, the Middle East nation acting as a mediator. President Donald Trump said they will be “direct talks”, while Iranian officials maintain that negotiations will be “indirect”. Trump has expressed severe warnings, declaring that Iran would face a “great danger” if talks vacillate, stressing that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon”.
In Iran, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi, went to social networks, noting talks as “indirect”, to describe them as “an opportunity and a test”. The Iranian position remains firm to prefer indirect negotiations, thwarting Trump’s claims. This development comes after Trump previously threatened military action if diplomatic efforts fail.
The role of Oman as a mediator is important, given his historic commitment in the 2015 nuclear agreement. The sultanate has always served as a communication bridge between the United States and Iran, in particular crucial now as tensions are intensifying. Trump’s previous withdrawal from the 2015 Agreement, which offered sanctions, in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities, adds complexity to these talks.
The American envoy in the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will direct the American side, while Abbas Araghchi represents Iran. This meeting follows unsuccessful indirect discussions during the mandate of former president Joe Biden. Trump’s previous commitment in talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fueling geopolitical issues.
Conflict potential remains a concern. France has warned that military confrontation is “almost inevitable” if discussions fail, echoing the anxieties of various international stakeholders. Israel, an ally of the near United States, sharing apprehensions about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Netanyahu pleading for a robust approach.
Despite hard rhetoric, Trump said in the oval office that “everyone agrees that making an agreement would be preferable”. He expressed the hope that “perhaps an agreement will be concluded”, emphasizing the high issues and the urgency to achieve a resolution.
The Iranian media described the allegations of direct negotiations of Trump in the context of a “psychological operation”, suggesting efforts to influence public and international opinion. While the two nations are preparing for the talks on Saturday, the result remains essential not only for bilateral relations but also for regional stability.
