Photo: AFP
Iran and the United States have completed the first round of high-level indirect talks in the Omani capital of Muscat. The talks were mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi and focused on key issues such as sanctions against Iran, Tehran’s nuclear programme and wars in the Middle East.
This was reported by The Jerusalem Post, citing Iranian and Western sources.
Negotiations in a “positive atmosphere” but no breakthroughs
According to sources in Tehran and Muscat, the talks were held in a “friendly atmosphere” aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region. The Iranian delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US delegation was represented by President Donald Trump’s Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
The talks were held in the format of an indirect dialogue – the delegations were in different rooms and conveyed their positions through an Omsk mediator.
After the official part, the parties even had a short personal conversation.
Key topics include the nuclear programme, sanctions and prisoner exchanges
According to Reuters, the talks focused on a possible easing of sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on the development of its nuclear programme, and also discussed the exchange of prisoners.
Iran is approaching the talks with caution and distrust, given President Trump’s threats of possible military strikes on the country’s nuclear infrastructure.
Tehran has categorically rejected any discussion of its defence capabilities, including its missile programme.
Historical context and risks of a regional explosion
Iran’s nuclear programme is once again in the centre of global attention amid a new phase of confrontation with the West. After the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, Tehran has made significant progress in uranium enrichment, with enrichment levels now reaching 60%, bringing Iran closer to the possibility of developing nuclear weapons.
The success or failure of these talks could determine the future of security in the Middle East. According to analysts, if the talks fail, the risk of a large-scale regional conflict will increase significantly.
Iran has already warned neighbouring countries that provide bases for US troops of possible “serious consequences” if Washington decides to escalate the military conflict.
Prospects: a fragile chance to continue the dialogue
According to Abbas Araghchi, the fate of the talks will depend on the “seriousness of intentions and goodwill” of the US side.
This is the first round of dialogue between Tehran and the Donald Trump administration in the second term of his presidency.
The situation remains extremely tense – both in Iran and in the region as a whole. Tehran’s influence in the Middle East has been weakened – its allies from the so-called “Axis of Resistance” have suffered significant losses in the wars in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
At the same time, the US ally Israel continues to view Iran’s nuclear programme as an existential threat and does not rule out a military scenario in case diplomacy fails.
