Iran Confirms US Talks in Oman Amidst Tensions Over Nuclear Program

Iran has confirmed that it will hold talks with the United States this weekend in Oman, following an announcement by President Donald Trump, Bloomberg reports.

The move comes after months of escalating tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.

“Iran and the United States will meet in Oman on Saturday for indirect high-level talks,” stated Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a post on X.

He characterized the upcoming negotiations as “as much an opportunity as it is a test” and placed the onus on the US, adding, “The ball is in America’s court.”

According to Iran’s state-run Nour News, the negotiations will be led by Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East and a close advisor to the former president. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi will serve as a mediator during the talks.

While Trump, speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, indicated that the talks would be direct, it remains unclear whether Witkoff and Araghchi will actually meet face-to-face.

The upcoming talks represent a potential diplomatic pathway after weeks of heightened tensions regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The recent developments suggest a possible shift away from escalating conflict and toward a renewed effort to revive discussions about limiting Iran’s nuclear activities.

Just last month, Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging him to agree to a new deal or risk potential military action.