What to Know as Iran and U.S. Set for Nuclear Talks in Oman

Iran and the United States are preparing to hold nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, on Friday, resuming diplomatic engagement over Tehran’s nuclear program amid persistent tensions marked by disagreements over agenda, venue and regional security as well as President Trump’s warnings to Iranian leaders.

By David Thompson – News Reporter

Last Updated: Feb. 4, 2026

Talks Rescheduled to Oman After Format Dispute

High‑level nuclear talks between Iran and the United States are set to take place Friday in Muscat, Oman, following weeks of diplomatic uncertainty. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the meeting after initial confusion over venue and format, with Tehran insisting negotiations remain bilateral and focused strictly on nuclear issues. Oman, a long‑standing intermediary between Washington and Tehran, stepped in to host the session after Iran requested a shift from Turkey to ensure discussions would center on its nuclear program without expanding into other topics. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Focus on Iran’s Nuclear Program and Sanctions Relief

Both sides have framed the talks primarily around Iran’s nuclear activities and potential sanctions relief, though deep disagreements remain. Tehran reiterates insistence that negotiations focus on its nuclear program without preconditions tied to ballistic missile development or regional policy issues, while U.S. officials have signaled broader concerns including constraints on enrichment and verification measures. The dialogue follows multiple earlier rounds mediated by Oman, with past discussions addressing uranium enrichment levels and possible pathways to reining in Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Trump’s Maximum Pressure and Military Warnings

President Donald Trump has accompanied diplomatic overtures with forceful rhetoric and strategic pressure. Ahead of the talks, Trump warned Iran’s leaders they should be “very worried,” underscoring that the U.S. remains prepared to use military options if negotiations fail to produce a verifiable agreement. This approach — blending diplomatic engagement with overt threats — reflects the administration’s ‘maximum pressure’ strategy aimed at compelling Iran to curb aspects of its nuclear program and other contentious activities. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Regional and International Context

The resumption of talks in Oman comes amid heightened regional tensions, including naval confrontations in the Gulf and deep concerns from Middle Eastern states about the risk of conflict escalation. Several Arab and Muslim leaders reportedly urged Washington not to abandon the discussions, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy to reduce the risk of broader confrontation. Iran’s bloody internal crackdown on protests and its ballistic missile development remain flashpoints in the broader geopolitical landscape surrounding the nuclear negotiations. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Challenges and Prospects Ahead

While both sides have agreed to meet, significant hurdles remain. Iran’s insistence on preserving elements of its nuclear program and rejecting expansion of talks to other security concerns contrasts with U.S. demands for stricter limits on enrichment and verification. As the talks begin, diplomats and analysts caution that meaningful progress will be difficult unless compromises are made on key issues, and that the outcome could shape the trajectory of U.S.–Iran relations and regional stability in the months ahead. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}