Iran-US Nuclear Talks: High-Level Meeting Scheduled in Muscat This Friday

The diplomatic deadlock between Iran and the United States has seen a significant development with the formal scheduling of nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced on Thursday that the high-stakes meeting is set for Friday at 10:00 AM local time. This confirmation follows weeks of uncertainty and conflicting reports regarding the venue and agenda of the talks. The choice of Muscat underscores Oman's long-standing role as a neutral mediator in the complex relationship between Tehran and Washington. The international community is closely monitoring this development, as it represents a critical attempt to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.

Official Schedule and Venue Confirmation

The announcement by Foreign Minister Araghchi, shared via a post on X (formerly Twitter), has effectively quelled rumors regarding the potential cancellation of the talks. For several days, reports suggested that deep-seated disagreements over the format and location might derail the process. Initially, Istanbul, Turkey, was proposed as the host city. However, Iran insisted on moving the venue to Oman, preferring a bilateral format focused strictly on nuclear issues and the lifting of US sanctions. Araghchi expressed gratitude toward the Omani authorities for their logistical support and for facilitating the necessary arrangements for this high-level diplomatic engagement.

Divergent Agendas and Negotiation Framework

Despite the agreement on the venue, the two nations remain far apart on the scope of the discussions. Iran has maintained a firm stance that the negotiations should be limited to its nuclear program and the removal of economic sanctions that have severely impacted its economy. Conversely, the United States had initially sought a broader agenda that included Iran's ballistic missile program and its regional activities involving proxy groups. While the Trump administration eventually agreed to the Muscat venue, US officials have emphasized that they expect meaningful progress on nuclear transparency. The challenge remains whether a middle ground can be reached given these contrasting priorities.

Diplomatic Pressure and Regional Mediation

The decision to proceed with the talks in Muscat was influenced by significant regional pressure, while according to diplomatic sources, leaders from at least nine Middle Eastern nations engaged in high-level lobbying to ensure that the diplomatic channel remained open. The Trump administration, which had initially expressed reservations about the Omani proposal, eventually conceded following these regional interventions. Oman has a history of hosting sensitive discussions between the two adversaries, including similar sessions held last year. The Sultanate's ability to maintain neutrality has made it a preferred location for addressing complex geopolitical issues that require a discreet environment.

Context of Recent Military Tensions

The upcoming meeting takes place against a backdrop of severe military and political friction. In June 2025, a 12-day conflict involving Israel led to US-led strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, causing substantial damage to the country's atomic infrastructure. This event Importantly heightened the level of distrust between Tehran and Washington. President Donald Trump recently issued a stern warning to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suggesting that the Iranian leadership should be deeply concerned about the current trajectory. These historical grievances and the recent military actions add a layer of complexity to the Friday meeting, making the prospects of a breakthrough uncertain but necessary for regional stability.

Analysis of Potential Outcomes

According to political analysts, the primary objective of the Muscat talks is to establish a communication framework that prevents further military escalation. Experts suggest that while a comprehensive deal is unlikely in the immediate term, the resumption of face-to-face dialogue is a vital step. The success of the talks will likely depend on whether both sides can agree on incremental concessions regarding uranium enrichment levels and the phased lifting of specific sanctions. However, the deep-seated animosity and the conflicting demands regarding regional security remain significant hurdles. As the delegations prepare to meet on Friday, the global focus remains on whether diplomacy can prevail over the cycle of confrontation.

Nuclear talks with the United States are scheduled to be held in Muscat on about 10 am Friday.

I'm grateful to our Omani brothers for making all necessary arrangements.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) February 4, 2026