Iran Seeks “Fair and Real” Nuclear Deal as U.S. Signals Openness Ahead of Key Talks in Oman

In a significant diplomatic development, Iran has expressed its desire for a “real and fair” agreement on its nuclear programme, just as the United States shows signs of flexibility ahead of crucial indirect negotiations set to take place this weekend in Oman.

The high-stakes meeting, scheduled for Saturday, follows a letter reportedly sent by the U.S. President Donald Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The message emphasized Washington’s openness to diplomacy, while also warning of potential military action should Iran reject a deal.

Taking to social media platform X, Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Khamenei, stated that Tehran is committed to meaningful dialogue, not just political theatre.

“Far from putting up a show and merely talking in front of the cameras, Tehran is seeking a real and fair agreement. Important and implementable proposals are ready,” Shamkhani said.

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He also confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would travel to Oman with “full authority” to engage in indirect negotiations with the United States. Shamkhani added that the path toward resolution would be “smooth” — but only if Washington demonstrates genuine goodwill.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump reiterated his hardline stance against a nuclear-armed Iran. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he told reporters, “I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country. But they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump’s personal envoy and close confidant, Steve Witkoff, is leading the U.S. side of the negotiations. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Witkoff outlined the American position, starting with a demand for Iran to completely dismantle its nuclear programme — a non-starter for Tehran, according to many analysts.

However, he hinted at a willingness to explore compromise. “That doesn’t mean we won’t find other ways to meet in the middle. But our red line is clear: there can’t be weaponisation of nuclear capability.”

This is not the first time the two nations have come close to an agreement. Under former President Barack Obama, the 2015 Iran nuclear deal aimed to restrict Iran’s nuclear ambitions without requiring total dismantlement. However, Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement during his first term, labelling it as weak and reimposing sanctions, particularly targeting Iran’s oil exports.

Tehran initially adhered to the deal even after the U.S. exit but began scaling back its commitments a year later in response to the reimposed sanctions.

Now, as talks are set to resume, Trump has warned that military action remains “absolutely” on the table if diplomacy fails. In response, Iran has hinted it might expel United Nations nuclear inspectors — a move the U.S. has called an “escalation.”

Despite the mounting tensions, Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful. On Friday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, “We are giving diplomacy a genuine chance in good faith and full vigilance.”

He added that the U.S. should recognize and appreciate Tehran’s decision to engage, especially given the backdrop of hostile rhetoric.

As both sides prepare for delicate negotiations, the world watches closely. With stakes high and the margin for error slim, the talks in Oman could either mark a turning point toward peace — or trigger a deeper crisis.