Maps
Magazine

WORLD NEWS

US and Iran to Hold Nuclear-Focused Talks in Oman Amid Rising Tensions
The US and Iran will hold nuclear-focused talks in Oman after Tehran requested a bilateral meeting, amid rising Middle East tensions.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-04
US and Iran to Hold Nuclear-Focused Talks in Oman Amid Rising Tensions

The United States and Iran are scheduled to hold talks in Oman on Friday, following Tehran’s request to limit discussions exclusively to its nuclear programme. The decision to shift the venue from Turkiye reflects Iran’s insistence that negotiations exclude other contentious issues, such as its ballistic missile capabilities, a regional official said.

Iran has repeatedly emphasized that its formidable ballistic missile programme — one of the largest in the Middle East — is a “red line” that it will not compromise. Iranian officials have warned that missiles would be used to defend the country if its security is threatened.

The upcoming talks come amid heightened US military activity in the region, sparking fears of potential confrontation. On Tuesday, the US military shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. In a separate incident, Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats reportedly threatened a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, demanding it prepare to be boarded. The tanker, however, continued its voyage safely.

Former US President Donald Trump, who is involved in the diplomatic effort along with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, warned of potential consequences if a deal is not reached. While initially multiple regional actors — including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and the UAE — were expected to attend, Tehran requested that the negotiations remain bilateral.

The US has been demanding that Iran halt uranium enrichment, curb its ballistic missile programme, and stop supporting regional proxies. Iran regards these demands as infringements on its sovereignty, viewing restrictions on its missile programme as the most significant obstacle. Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly ceased uranium enrichment since US strikes in June, which followed a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign targeting Iranian nuclear sites.

Regional officials stress that the goal of the Oman talks is to avoid conflict and de-escalate tensions. Oil prices have already been affected by the military incidents, reflecting global concern over the stability of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy transit route.

The outcome of these talks will be closely watched, as both Washington and Tehran seek to balance diplomatic engagement with strategic deterrence in a region increasingly fraught with the risk of escalation.
Tagged:

MiddleEastTensions

NuclearDiplomacy

USIranTalks

OmanTalks
Share News: