US, Iran to Resume Nuclear Talks in Oman This Weekend

Iranian and US officials are set to meet in Muscat, Oman this weekend for a fourth round of discussions aimed at resolving tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, Bloomberg reports.

The talks, scheduled for May 11, come after a previously planned round in Rome on May 3 was called off due to logistical reasons, according to Oman’s foreign minister.

The indirect negotiations between the two sides have been mediated by Oman, which has hosted two previous rounds since talks began last month. State-run Nour News in Iran confirmed the upcoming session, citing an official familiar with the matter.

These discussions are taking place amid increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has been vocal about his desire to curb Iran’s nuclear activities. Trump has made it clear that he seeks a deal that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, threatening military action if a diplomatic solution cannot be reached.

Earlier Tuesday, Iranian officials expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming talks. A spokesperson for the Iranian government stated that while they were hopeful, they remained realistic, stressing that Tehran is committed to maintaining the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. “We approach the talks with hope, though without excessive optimism,” the spokesperson said.

US President Trump’s lead negotiator for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, also weighed in on the talks, expressing optimism about their direction.

“I hope it is moving in the right direction,” Witkoff told reporters. “The president wants to see this solved diplomatically if possible, so we’re doing everything we can to get it going.”

The upcoming round of talks is seen as a critical juncture in the ongoing efforts to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran. While the US and Iran have made some progress, both sides are still far from reaching a comprehensive deal, and the geopolitical stakes remain high. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for regional stability and international relations.