U.S. and Iran Begin Nuclear Talks in Oman, CENTCOM Chief Joins Suddenly
U.S. and Iranian officials convene in Muscat for high-stakes direct talks as Washington demands "zero nuclear capability" and Tehran seeks sanctions relief. With military assets positioned and Israel skeptical, the meeting marks a final diplomatic push to avert regional conflict.
Diplomats from the United States and Iran have opened direct negotiations in Oman, a high-stakes effort to avert a regional military escalation and a potential American strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The meetings arrive at a volatile juncture, characterized by a significant buildup of U.S. military forces in the Middle East and intensified pressure from Israel. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored President Donald Trump’s dual-track approach, noting that while the President views diplomacy as the first choice, he is "not bound" by it.
"The President has other options," Leavitt stated, adding that Trump is monitoring the talks in real-time. "He is the Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful military in history."
Negotiating From the Brink
The American objective in Muscat is uncompromising: "Zero nuclear capability for Iran." President Trump addressed the motivation behind Tehran's participation in a public address, stating, "Iran is negotiating with us because they don't want us to attack them."
The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, entered the summit with a more guarded posture. Upon arrival, Araghchi attempted to lower expectations. "We remember well what happened last year," he said. "We enter these negotiations with eyes wide open, full alertness, and without illusions."
In an unusual move, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, who would be responsible for strikes on Iran and whose area of responsibility covers the Middle East, is joining the talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman, according to the WSJ.
Tehran has signaled a willingness to consider a long-term freeze of its nuclear program, but only in exchange for significant sanctions relief. According to reports, the U.S. is demanding the surrender of all enriched uranium, specifically material enriched to the 60% threshold, which sits just shy of the 90% weapons-grade level.
Expanding the Scope
Washington is pushing to expand the dialogue beyond the nuclear file to include Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for regional proxy groups, terms Tehran has characterized as infringements on its "defensive rights."
The presence of Jared Kushner, a close confidant and son-in-law to President Trump, marks a shift in the diplomatic lineup. His participation is viewed in Washington as a sign of the President’s personal investment in the outcome and a signal of direct pressure on the Iranian leadership.
The Israeli Perspective
In Jerusalem, skepticism remains the prevailing sentiment. This week, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior defense officials to review updated intelligence on Iranian nuclear progress.
Israeli officials described Witkoff as "combative," noting he appeared wary of Iranian stalling tactics. Despite the diplomatic activity, Israeli assessments suggest the probability of a comprehensive agreement remains low, given the vast gap between Washington’s "maximum" demands and Tehran’s "red lines."