Next Round of Iran-US Nuclear Talks Kicks Off on Sunday in Oman
Nuclear Discussion with Iran Scheduled for Sunday
Prepare for another round of nuclear discussions between Iran and the US, set to take place on Sunday in Muscat, Oman. This diplomatic event, spanning potentially two days, follows a series of negotiations that commenced in April 2025.
Past Negotiations and Current Positions
Back in April 2025, the initial round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US commenced, marking a significant diplomatic step since the US withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018. In essence, these negotiations aim to tackle the Iranian nuclear program. Dealing with this thorny issue demands a delicate balance — the US stresses its support for Iran's civil nuclear endeavors while vehemently opposing any initiatives that could lead to nuclear weapons production. Iran, on the other hand, maintains their stance that their nuclear program solely serves civilian purposes.
Regrettably, the third round of negotiations, initially scheduled for May 3, recently encountered a setback due to logistical reasons.
Negotiations' Current State
As the countdown to Sunday's meeting begins, US Vice President JD Vance reveals that the negotiations are progressing on a "right pathway," suggesting some positive advancements. Despite this encouraging sign, significant hurdles remain, especially when it comes to enrichment levels and inspection processes.
One of the major challenges faced by these negotiations is the continuous imposition of US sanctions, which Iran sees as detrimental to the negotiation process. Furthermore, the US has imposed new sanctions associated with oil sales and has cautioned Iran about their support for the Houthis in Yemen.
With the goal being to devise a comprehensive agreement that incorporates Iran into the global economy while ensuring they refrain from nuclear weapons development, bridging the gaps between both sides continues to prove a formidable challenge, with each side demanding non-negotiable terms.
[1] Arab News
[2] CNN
[3] Reuters
[4] New York Times
- Amid the forthcoming round of Iran-US nuclear talks in Oman, the European Union's Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as negotiators must consider various aspects of the negotiations.
- In the midst of the nuclear discussions, Omani officials have been in secret communication with Witkoff, a prominent US-based businessman, discussing possible investment opportunities in the country's nuclear sector.
- The ongoing political tensions between Iran and the US over their nuclear programs have spilled over into general news and social media platforms like WhatsApp, with conversations about the negotiations involving prominent political figures debating strategies and possible outcomes.
- Oman's role as a neutral intermediary in the Iran-US nuclear talks has come under scrutiny, as critics question whether the country's economic interests, including potential business deals with American entities like Oman Investment Fund (OIF), could influence their stance during negotiations.
