Iran Demands Shift in US Talks Venue to Oman, Seeks Nuclear-Only Agenda

Middle East - Ekhbary News Agency

Iran Demands Shift in US Talks Venue to Oman, Seeks Nuclear-Only Agenda

In a move that could either de-escalate or further intensify already high tensions between Tehran and Washington, Iran has requested a significant change in the modalities for this week's planned talks with the United States. According to regional sources familiar with the matter, Tehran wishes for the negotiations, initially scheduled for Friday in Istanbul, to instead be held in Oman. Crucially, Iranian authorities are insisting that the agenda be strictly limited to the nuclear issue, rejecting the US desire to address a broader range of concerns.

This Iranian initiative comes within a particularly volatile regional context. The United States has recently bolstered its military presence in the Gulf, a decision perceived as a response to recent internal protests in Iran and concerns over regional stability. The US military's downing of an Iranian Shahed-139 drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Oman, announced on Tuesday, underscores the precariousness of the situation and the risk of unintended escalation. Regional actors, aware of the dangers, have publicly urged both powers to find common ground and avoid confrontation.

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that negotiations were underway, though he did not specify the location or the scope of the discussions. He also reiterated his warnings about the “bad things” that could result from the absence of an agreement, a statement that casts a heavy shadow over the atmosphere of the talks. On the Iranian side, a regional diplomat clearly articulated Tehran's position: “They want to change the format, they want to change the framework. They only want to discuss the nuclear issue with Washington, while the United States wants to discuss other issues such as (ballistic) missiles and the activities of Iran-affiliated groups in the region.” This fundamental divergence on the agenda represents a major obstacle even before negotiations begin.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, for her part, confirmed that talks with Iran were still scheduled for this week. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi were initially expected to meet in Istanbul. Sources also indicate the potential participation of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law, in the discussions, as well as representatives from key regional countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The presence of these regional actors underscores the importance and potential impact of these talks on the stability of the entire Middle East.

The choice of Oman as an alternative venue is not insignificant. The Sultanate has historically played a discreet and effective mediating role in the complex relations between Iran and the United States, offering a neutral communication channel away from the spotlight. This role has been crucial in the past for facilitating delicate discussions. If the United States accepts this change of venue, it could signal a willingness to de-escalate or at least an acknowledgment of Oman's unique role. However, the agenda remains the stumbling block. Washington has consistently sought to broaden the scope of negotiations beyond nuclear issues to include Iranian ballistic missile programs and its support for regional groups, subjects that Tehran considers non-negotiable.

The Iranian side has stated that it is “neither optimistic nor pessimistic” ahead of these discussions, preparing for “all scenarios.” This cautious stance reflects the uncertainty about the ability of both parties to find common ground. “We are waiting to see whether the United States also intends to conduct substantive negotiations aimed at achieving results,” an Iranian official said. Pressure is high on both sides to demonstrate a firm stance while avoiding an escalation that could have disastrous consequences for the region and beyond. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether constructive dialogue can emerge from these tense conditions.

Ekhbary News Agency