US, Iran confirm nuclear talks in Oman Friday
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said nuclear talks with United States will be held in Oman on Friday
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed that nuclear talks between Iran and the United States will take place this week in Oman. The talks are planned for Friday and will be held in the capital city, Muscat.
Araghchi shared the update late on Wednesday. He said the meeting will begin at 10am local time. That is 06:00 GMT. His statement came after earlier reports suggested the talks might collapse because of disputes over where and how they would be held.
In a message posted on social media, Araghchi thanked Oman for its role. His words showed that Oman played a key part in keeping the talks on track.
The talks were not always certain. Earlier this week, there were signs of trouble. Reports said Iran and the US disagreed on the format of the meeting and even the location. Turkey was first mentioned as the host. Later, Oman was confirmed instead.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also spoke publicly about the talks. On Tuesday, he wrote on social media that he had instructed Araghchi to move forward carefully. He asked his foreign minister to “pursue fair and equitable negotiations.” This message was seen as a signal that Iran wants dialogue, but on its own terms.
The United States has also confirmed it will attend the talks. A White House official said Washington agreed to meet Iran in Oman. This confirmation came through comments shared with the Associated Press. The official said Oman was chosen instead of Turkey, which had been mentioned earlier.
Several countries have been involved behind the scenes. Mediators from Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt have helped shape a basic plan for the talks. According to sources familiar with the discussions, these mediators presented both sides with a list of key points.
One major issue is Iran’s uranium enrichment program. The sources said the framework includes a commitment by Iran to sharply limit how much uranium it enriches. This issue has long worried the United States and its allies, who fear Iran could move closer to making nuclear weapons. Iran has always said its program is for peaceful use.
Other points in the framework are also sensitive. The sources said the plan includes limits on ballistic missiles. It also mentions restrictions on Iran’s support for allied groups in the region. These groups are often seen by the US as threats to regional stability.
One of the sources who spoke about the framework is a senior diplomat. The diplomat asked not to be named. He said the talks are very delicate, and public details could harm progress. Because of this, many parts of the proposed plan remain unclear.
The timing of the talks is tense. The region is on edge, and fears of conflict are growing. This comes after reports that US President Donald Trump ordered American forces to move closer to the region. US ships and forces were sent to the Arabian Sea.
This military move followed a violent crackdown inside Iran last month. Iranian security forces used force against protesters, leading to deaths and arrests. The events caused strong reactions in Washington and raised fears of a wider clash.
Because of this backdrop, the talks in Oman carry heavy weight. Some see them as a last chance to reduce tension. Others worry they could fail, making the situation worse.
Oman has a long history of acting as a quiet mediator. The country has hosted secret and public talks in the past. Both Iran and the United States trust Oman more than many other countries. This trust may help the talks stay calm and focused.
Still, expectations are low. Years of mistrust stand between the two sides. Past agreements have fallen apart. Sanctions, threats, and public anger have shaped the relationship for decades.
For now, both sides say they are willing to talk. Whether talk will turn into real progress remains uncertain. Friday’s meeting in Muscat may not solve everything. But many hope it can at least open a door and slow the path toward conflict.