Top negotiators from Iran and the United States have resumed critical nuclear discussions in Muscat, Oman, in a renewed attempt to resolve longstanding disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program.
The talks, facilitated by Omani mediators, come just days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East and amid hardening rhetoric from both sides.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are leading the fourth round of negotiations. While both Washington and Tehran claim to prefer diplomacy over confrontation, major obstacles remain on the path toward a revived nuclear deal.
Ahead of the meeting, Araqchi reaffirmed Iran’s core positions. “Iran has well-known principles and clear red lines,” he told Iranian state TV. “We hope to reach a decisive outcome in Sunday’s session.” He added that Iran’s expert delegation was already in Muscat and ready to offer support as needed.
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The U.S., however, has taken a firmer public stance. Speaking to Breitbart News last week, Witkoff outlined Washington’s non-negotiable demand: “No enrichment. That means dismantlement, no weaponization.” He specified the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
“If Sunday’s talks aren’t productive, we’ll have to consider a different route,” Witkoff warned. In response, Araqchi made it clear that Iran will not compromise on its right to enrich uranium—one of the key sticking points in the talks.
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While Iranian officials say they are open to limiting aspects of their nuclear program in exchange for sanction relief, surrendering enriched uranium stockpiles or halting enrichment altogether remains off the table.
A senior Iranian official close to the negotiating team, speaking anonymously, noted: “The U.S. demand for zero enrichment and dismantling nuclear sites is not constructive. What’s said behind closed doors differs from their public messaging.”
Originally set for May 3 in Rome, the meeting was rescheduled due to what Oman cited as “logistical reasons.” The resumption of talks now coincides with Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE from May 13–16—a trip expected to further shape regional dynamics.
Trump, who famously withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during his first term, has reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran since February. The sanctions have severely impacted Iran’s economy, while Tehran has responded by accelerating its uranium enrichment program, now reaching levels up to 60%—just below weapons-grade—according to the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
Tehran has also made it clear that its ballistic missile program is not on the negotiating table and insists on strong guarantees that the U.S. will not abandon a renewed deal, should one be reached.
As negotiators continue their efforts in Oman, the outcome of these talks could significantly influence the regional balance of power and the broader global non-proliferation landscape. While a diplomatic resolution remains possible, the widening gap between each side’s demands suggests that compromise will be difficult.
The world now watches closely, hoping these discussions can prevent a further escalation and restore a fragile framework for peace in the Middle East.
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