Iran and the United States have resumed talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program, coinciding with US President Donald Trump’s planned trip to the Middle East. Although both Iran and the US have stated their desire to find a solution through dialogue rather than military confrontation, there are many issues on which neither side is willing to compromise. Oman has mediated three rounds of talks between the US and Iran, and preparations are underway for a fourth round to be held in Muscat.
Iran will be represented in these talks by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The US will be represented by Trump’s special envoy Steve Biegun. Before departing for Oman, Araghchi told the media that Iran’s position is based on strong principles and that he hopes for a positive outcome from these talks.
Biegun said that Iran would not be allowed to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels. He added that if today’s talks do not produce concrete results, an alternative approach may need to be considered. In response, Araghchi stated that Iran will not give up its nuclear rights, including uranium enrichment. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to attack Iran if a desirable solution is not reached through negotiations. Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from next Tuesday to Friday.
Iran had also reached an agreement with the US in 2015 to control its nuclear program. However, that agreement was nullified in 2018 during President Trump’s first term. Israel’s powerful Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to put extreme pressure on the US, Israel’s strongest ally, to eliminate Iran’s capability to produce nuclear weapons.
