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2w ago

U.S. and Iran Prepare for High-Stakes Nuclear Talks with Format Dispute Unresolved

Talks scheduled for Saturday in Oman face uncertainty as the U.S. insists on direct negotiations, while Iran demands indirect discussions via mediators.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attends a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Moscow, Russia, March 17, 2025. Yuri Kochetkov/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi looks on as he speaks to the media, in Beirut, Lebanon, October 4, 2024. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo
This combo of pictures show President Donald Trump, left, addressing a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, March 4, 2025, and a handout of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attending a ceremony in Tehran, Iran, March 8, 2025.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, March 8, 2025. Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

Overview

  • President Trump announced that high-level nuclear negotiations with Iran will take place in Oman on Saturday, describing them as direct talks, but Iranian officials insist the discussions will be mediated indirectly.
  • Trump warned that failure to reach a deal could put Iran in 'great danger,' implying potential military action, while Iran emphasized the need for sanctions relief as its primary objective.
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the talks as both an opportunity and a test, asserting that the 'ball is in America's court' to demonstrate goodwill.
  • Russia and China have expressed support for the negotiations, viewing them as a chance to de-escalate tensions in the region, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu remains skeptical of any U.S.-Iran agreement.
  • The talks come as Iran’s nuclear program advances toward weapons-grade capabilities, with experts warning that Tehran could produce enough fissile material for a nuclear bomb within weeks.