Behind the impression of firm American resolve, it is becoming clear that in the secret talks held in Oman, Iran initially managed to bend the agenda to its advantage. What concessions are being weighed behind the scenes, who actually defused the crisis, and is the regime heading toward a dangerous internal confrontation?
According to the New York Times, ballistic missiles and support for terrorist organizations will also be on the table in Oman. Tehran presented its own demand, fearing Trump would stage a “show.”
President Donald Trump said in an interview with NBC that talks between Washington and Tehran are set to take place in Oman on Friday, despite earlier reports that the talks had collapsed.
Several allies pushed to keep the talks going after the US demanded discussions on Iran’s ballistic missile program, a demand Tehran rejected.
The talks scheduled for Friday were postponed, after Tehran firmly rejected a US demand to discuss Iran’s ballistic missile program.
A senior American diplomatic source says Washington is demanding guarantees from Tehran on uranium enrichment, the transfer of existing stockpiles and Iran’s ballistic missile program. According to the source, without agreements on these issues, no meeting between the sides will take place.
According to multiple reports, Tehran is backtracking from understandings reached in recent days, while an intense internal power struggles within the Iranian leadership is taking form.
Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran was preparing for talks with Washington amid reports that Tehran is prepared to “sacrifice” its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of the American military threat.
White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are planning to meet on Friday in Istanbul for negotiations toward a new nuclear agreement. According to The Wall Street Journal, senior adviser Jared Kushner is also expected to take part in the talks.
After weeks of high tensions and a buildup of American forces in the region, Washington and Tehran are exploring a new round of negotiations in Istanbul in an effort to avert escalation. The core disputes revolve around Iran’s nuclear program, its missile project and its regional involvement.
