On April 12, 2025, Saturday, US and Iranian officials held important nuclear talks in Oman. These talks are seen as a test of both sides' serious attitude towards reaching an agreement. Previously, President Donald Trump had threatened to take military action unless Iran quickly agreed, recalling that Iran had withdrawn from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018. However, Iran views the US with distrust, remembering that Trump had pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 here.
Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, will lead the US delegation. He has expressed a commitment to seeking a diplomatic solution in the talks. The Iranian side will be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is considered an experienced diplomat having participated in the 2015 nuclear deal negotiations.
Iran is proposing to start the negotiations with the help of a mediator and then move on to direct dialogue. Also, Iran aims to buy time for a comprehensive agreement by discussing a temporary agreement.
During the negotiations, Witkoff repeats the contents of a letter Trump had sent to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In it, Trump emphasizes his preference for peace and a diplomatic solution, but also underscores that all measures will be taken to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
These negotiations will test the political will of both sides. If an agreement is not reached, the situation in the region could significantly escalate.
Abdullah Sayyid
