The United States and Iran have agreed to hold high-level talks in Oman on Friday, raising cautious hopes for diplomacy. However, deep disagreements remain over what will be discussed, keeping tensions high in an already volatile Middle East.
While Washington wants a broad agenda that includes Iran’s missile programme and regional activities, Tehran insists the talks should focus only on its nuclear programme.
The fragile negotiations come at a time of military build-ups, political unrest inside Iran, and rising fears of another regional conflict.
Talks Confirmed, but Disagreements Persist
Officials from both countries confirmed that talks will take place in Muscat, Oman, after Iran requested a change of venue from Istanbul.
Despite agreeing on the location, the two sides are far apart on the agenda:
Iran’s position: Talks should focus strictly on nuclear issues
US position: Negotiations must include missiles, regional proxies, and human rights
This disagreement has raised doubts over whether meaningful progress can be achieved.
Rising Tensions Push Diplomacy to the Brink
The talks come amid sharply rising tensions following Iran’s recent crackdown on protests and increased US military presence in the region.
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of serious consequences if negotiations fail. Speaking to NBC News, Trump said Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “should be very worried”, suggesting military action remains an option.
Regional powers are now racing to prevent a conflict that could spiral into a wider war.
Why Oman Was Chosen as the Venue
Iran pushed for the talks to be held in Oman, a country known for quietly mediating sensitive negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
A regional official said Iran sees Oman as a continuation of previous nuclear-focused discussions, rather than a new, broader diplomatic framework.
Key points about the venue change:
Oman has hosted past US-Iran nuclear talks
Iran wants a two-party format without wider mediation
Gulf states may still assist behind the scenes
US Demands a Broader Negotiation Framework
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made Washington’s position clear, saying the US is open to talks but only if they address wider concerns.
According to Rubio, negotiations must include:
Iran’s ballistic missile programme
Support for armed proxy groups across the Middle East
Human rights issues, including treatment of protesters
Nuclear enrichment activities
Iranian officials quickly rejected this approach, saying missiles are “off the table.”
Iran Warns Talks Could Collapse
Senior Iranian officials have warned that US insistence on non-nuclear issues could derail the talks entirely.
One official said Iran is willing to negotiate over nuclear matters but will not accept preconditions.
Another official noted that Tehran may show some flexibility on uranium enrichment, which it claims is for peaceful use only.
Military Build-Up Raises Stakes
The diplomatic push comes as the US significantly increases its military presence in the Middle East.
Recent developments include:
Deployment of thousands of US troops
Arrival of an aircraft carrier and warships
Increased use of fighter jets, spy planes, and refuelling aircraft
Oil prices have already risen due to fears of escalation.
Nuclear Dispute and Sanctions Pressure
Iran hopes any agreement could lead to the lifting of Western sanctions, which have badly damaged its economy and contributed to recent unrest.
Trump has warned that “bad things” will happen if a deal is not reached, increasing pressure on Tehran’s leadership.
Iranian officials fear that a US strike could spark mass protests and weaken the government’s grip on power.
Ballistic Missiles: The Biggest Obstacle
Reuters sources say the US has demanded three main conditions to restart talks:
Zero uranium enrichment
Limits on ballistic missile development
An end to support for regional proxy groups
Iran considers these demands violations of its sovereignty, with officials privately saying missiles are the biggest sticking point, not nuclear enrichment.
Iran has also warned it would use its missile stockpile if its security is threatened.
Recent Military Incidents Add to Anxiety
Tensions escalated further this week after several dangerous encounters:
A US warship shot down an Iranian drone near an aircraft carrier
Iranian forces reportedly threatened a US-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz
These incidents highlight how quickly the situation could spiral out of control.
What Happens Next?
Friday’s talks in Oman may offer a last chance to de-escalate tensions. However, without agreement on the agenda, expectations remain low.
Much now depends on whether both sides are willing to compromise — or whether diplomacy will give way to confrontation.
References
Reuters
NBC News
US Department of State statements
Regional diplomatic sources
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