Iran-US nuclear talks resume in Oman amid cautious optimism

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 12:43

Iran-US nuclear talks resume in Oman as Iran demands sanctions relief and defends enrichment rights, while new US sanctions fuel tensions over the 2015 deal.

Listen

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, center, and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, left, walk through the Muscat International Book Fair in Oman, Friday, April 25, 2025. (AP)

The third round of indirect Iran-US nuclear negotiations began on Saturday in Muscat, Oman, with both sides expressing cautious optimism despite heightened tensions over sanctions and uranium enrichment. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led Tehran’s delegation, while US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff headed the American side for the high-level negotiations.

The talks, starting with technical discussions followed by senior-level meetings, come amid renewed efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal that collapsed after former President Donald Trump withdrew the US from it during his first term.

While Iran pushes for the removal of unilateral sanctions, Trump warned of military action if diplomacy failed, but added he would "much prefer a deal than bombs being dropped." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Iran must cease uranium enrichment and rely on imported nuclear materials, as other countries do.

Michael Anton, leading the US expert team, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Ministers Kazem Gharibabadi and Majid Takht-Ravanchi are handling detailed Iran nuclear negotiations in Oman, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi mediating.

Iran demands sanctions relief, defends enrichment rights

Iranian officials continue to insist that their uranium enrichment program is peaceful and non-negotiable. Araghchi stated, “If the sole demand by the US is for Iran not to possess nuclear weapons, this demand is achievable.” However, he warned that "impractical" US demands would derail the talks.

Tehran is prioritizing the "speedy" lifting of US sanctions on Iran, which were reimposed under Trump’s "maximum pressure" campaign. State media highlighted that Iran seeks to assert its lawful right to nuclear energy, while ensuring transparency.

Iran has engaged in separate talks with Britain, France, and Germany to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, and has signaled its willingness to expand dialogue. However, US officials are urging European allies to consider triggering the "snapback" mechanism, which would automatically restore UN sanctions on Iran due to non-compliance.

Iran has warned it may exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if such a move occurs.