Iran to Talk with U.S. Amid Nuclear Concerns

Negotiations offering a potential path toward resolving concerns over Iran’s nuclear program are set to begin Saturday in Oman, with Iranian and U.S. officials confirming discussions will be held indirectly. While details remain limited, the confirmation signals a willingness to engage despite ongoing tensions and a reported disagreement over the structure of future negotiations. The talks represent a rare opportunity for dialogue, though the insistence on an indirect format suggests significant obstacles remain. The willingness of both sides to participate, even through intermediaries, is a cautiously optimistic development given the stalled status of previous efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. The choice of Oman as a venue is noteworthy, as the Gulf state has historically played a mediating role in regional disputes. Whether these indirect talks can overcome existing hurdles and lay the groundwork for more substantive discussions remains to be seen, but the resumption of any form of communication is a positive, if tentative, step. The format itself – indirect rather than direct – highlights the deep distrust that continues to characterize relations between Washington and Tehran, and suggests any progress will likely be incremental.