The United States and Iran have agreed to hold talks in Oman on Friday, officials from both countries confirmed, ending days of uncertainty over whether the meeting would go ahead. The announcement came despite sharp disagreements over the scope of negotiations, with Washington insisting that Iran’s missile programme be included and Tehran refusing to discuss anything beyond its nuclear activities.
The talks will take place in Muscat after both sides agreed to shift the venue from Istanbul. Differences over location and agenda had raised doubts about the meeting, fuelling speculation that US President Donald Trump could order military action if diplomacy failed.
Trump Issues Warning as Military Pressure Builds
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks as the United States increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying thousands of additional troops, warships, fighter jets and surveillance aircraft to the region.
Asked on Wednesday whether Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be concerned, Trump said he “should be very worried”, adding that negotiations were under way without offering further details.
Regional states have been watching developments closely, fearing that any military clash between Washington and Tehran could spiral into a wider conflict with severe economic and security consequences.
Deep Divisions Over Missiles and Proxies
Iran has repeatedly stated that its missile programme is not open for discussion. Senior Iranian officials said Tehran was willing to negotiate over its nuclear dispute but warned that US demands to address non-nuclear issues could derail the talks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck a tougher tone, saying negotiations must also cover Iran’s ballistic missiles, its support for armed groups across the Middle East and its human rights record.
Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are expected to take part in the discussions, officials said.
Nuclear Dispute and Risk of Escalation
Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful, while the United States and Israel accuse Tehran of past efforts to develop nuclear weapons. Iran hopes a deal could eventually ease Western sanctions that have badly damaged its economy and fuelled domestic unrest.
The talks follow recent military incidents, including the downing of an Iranian drone near a US aircraft carrier and confrontations involving Iranian forces and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
With oil prices already rising, diplomats say the Oman meeting could prove crucial in determining whether tensions ease or move closer to open confrontation.
with inputs from Reuters
