There is a significant gap between statements in Iran claiming that only the nuclear issue is on the table in talks with the Americans. Diplomatic sources familiar with the discussions who say that talk of a “positive atmosphere” is merely diplomatic wording for the absence of any real agreements.
US Embassy warns of escalating danger amid diplomatic talks, tells citizens to flee to Armenia or Turkey.
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.”
Arab diplomatic sources estimate that alongside talks with the US, Iran is preparing to “boost its readiness for war” should fighting break out. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s senior adviser, Ali Larijani, is expected to see his powers expanded, alongside a series of appointments of new commanders from the hardline camp.
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.
Students in Tehran, Shiraz and Tabriz have staged new protests in recent days against executions and the alleged torture of detainees in the regime’s prisons. Medical students in Shiraz announced a strike over plans to execute doctors who treated wounded protesters. Meanwhile, Iran’s prolonged internet shutdown is exacting a heavy economic toll on the Islamic Republic.
