US and Iran Set to Begin High-Stakes Nuclear Discussions Amid Rising Tensions
In a move that surprised many, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that Washington and Tehran are preparing for talks focused on Iran’s nuclear program, scheduled to begin this Saturday.
While Iran’s Foreign Minister emphasized that these discussions will remain indirect and take place in Oman, Trump warned that failure to reach a resolution could put Iran “in great danger,” signaling potential escalation if negotiations break down.
Iran has previously rejected Trump’s calls for direct negotiations or face military consequences, and it appeared to maintain this stance with Monday’s response.
“We’re starting direct negotiations with Iran. A major meeting is set for Saturday, and we’ll see what unfolds,” Trump told reporters during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office.
Trump said that pursuing a diplomatic agreement is preferred, adding that Saturday’s meeting would involve senior officials, though he withheld details about the venue. He remained optimistic that an agreement is within reach.
On the other hand, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi posted on X, confirming that indirect talks would happen in Oman. “This is both a chance and a test. The ball is in America’s court,” he wrote.
Previous attempts at negotiations under former President Joe Biden produced little progress. The last known direct talks occurred during the Obama administration, which led to the 2015 nuclear deal later abandoned by Trump.
Trump’s threats of military action against Iran have stirred tensions across the region, especially following the collapse of the Syrian regime and changes in regional power dynamics.
Since taking office, Trump has increased the U.S. military footprint in the Middle East. In early March, he revealed he had written to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to propose talks—though Tehran insisted it wouldn’t yield to pressure.
“Iran will not be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon,” Trump reiterated. “If these talks fail, it will be a very dark day for Iran.”
Any form of direct negotiation would likely require approval from Khamenei, who earlier this year labeled talks with the U.S. as unwise and dishonorable.
Just hours before Trump’s remarks, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran was waiting for Washington’s response to its proposal for indirect talks. He said the offer was “honorable and responsible.”
Following Trump’s announcement, an anonymous senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that discussions would be held with Oman acting as a mediator, not directly with the U.S.
Iranian media outlet Nournews, linked to the country’s security establishment, dismissed Trump’s announcement as a “psychological tactic aimed at swaying domestic and international sentiment.”
Another Iranian official suggested a limited window of roughly two months exists for an agreement, citing fears that Israel might take military action if talks are delayed.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, historically skeptical of diplomacy with Iran, stated that a Libya-style disarmament deal would be acceptable if it fully eliminates Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.
During his presidency, Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear pact, which aimed to restrict Iran’s uranium enrichment in return for lifting sanctions. Since then, Iran has exceeded those limits, prompting concern in Western capitals.
While Western nations allege Iran is covertly working toward nuclear weapons capability, Tehran insists its nuclear ambitions are strictly for peaceful energy use.
The White House National Security Council declined to comment on further details.
Meanwhile, the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria—an important Iranian ally—has further diminished Tehran’s regional influence.
