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Iran and US Open Third Round of Nuclear Talks in Oman
Iran and the US begin a third round of nuclear talks in Oman, focusing on uranium enrichment, with both sides seeking relief from economic sanctions.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-26
Iran and US Open Third Round of Nuclear Talks in Oman

Iran and the United States have commenced a third round of indirect negotiations in Muscat, Oman, aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear activities. The discussions are focused on uranium enrichment, a critical aspect of Iran's nuclear programme, with the potential for lifting economic sanctions imposed by the US in exchange for limits on Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

While the details of the talks remain confidential, Iranian state television confirmed the negotiations, which are led by Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff. The talks aim to reach an agreement that would restrict Iran's nuclear programme while providing relief from economic sanctions that have heavily impacted Iran’s economy.

US President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism about the outcome of the negotiations, indicating confidence in reaching a deal that would prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. "The Iran situation is coming out very well," Trump said. "I think we are going to have a deal. I would much rather have a deal than the other alternative."

Trump also reiterated that military options remain on the table if diplomacy fails, highlighting the stakes involved in the negotiations. "There are some people that want to make a different kind of a deal – a much nastier deal – and I don’t want that to happen to Iran if we can avoid it," he added.

Despite the progress, Iranian officials have made it clear that their defense and missile programmes are not part of the current discussions. "The question of defense capacities and the country’s missiles is not on the agenda," said Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry.

The talks come after a second round of negotiations in Rome, which both sides described as constructive. However, tensions remain high following President Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, a move that led to an escalation of tensions and Iran's abandonment of limits on its nuclear programme.

Iran has since enriched uranium to nearly weapons-grade levels, fueling concerns in the West about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. While Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, the US and other Western countries continue to accuse Tehran of seeking nuclear weapons.

The latest round of talks also comes with a significant point of contention. The US has demanded that Iran completely halt its uranium enrichment activities under any potential deal, requiring Iran to import any enriched uranium it needs for its atomic energy plant in Bushehr. However, Tehran has insisted that halting its enrichment programme or surrendering its enriched uranium stockpile is a "red line" that cannot be compromised.

As the talks continue, the world waits to see whether diplomacy can resolve one of the most pressing issues in international security.

 
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USIranRelations

IranNuclearDeal

IranUSTalks

NuclearDiplomacy
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