High-stakes negotiations between Iran and the United States aimed at overcoming sharp differences over Tehran's nuclear program have begun in Oman. The talks, facilitated by Omani mediation, face the risk of derailment due to a dispute over widening the agenda, which could trigger further conflict in the Middle East.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is leading the diplomatic delegation for the nuclear talks with the U.S. in Muscat. Iranian officials indicated that Friday's negotiations could be the initial phase of a more extended diplomatic process, suggesting that a swift resolution to the escalating tensions between the two nations is unlikely.
Meanwhile, Iran has outlined a detailed concept for potential conflict with the United States, encompassing missile barrages, proxy escalations, cyber operations, and threats to global oil flows, according to reports from IRGC-linked Tasnim news agency. The Iranian army spokesperson stated that the military is prepared for a conflict if that is the U.S. desire, even as the two countries engage in talks to avert a clash.
The White House has reiterated that diplomacy is President Donald Trump's preferred approach to dealing with Iran, and that he will await the outcome of the high-stakes talks. However, the administration also issued a warning that military options remain at its disposal.
Separately, Israeli officials have expressed skepticism about the likelihood of an agreement between Iran and the U.S. during the scheduled talks in Oman. The U.S. virtual embassy to Iran has also issued a travel advisory, urging U.S. citizens to "leave Iran now" and providing a list of open border crossings.
In other developments, Iran's revolutionary guards have detained two vessels in the Gulf carrying over one million liters of smuggled fuel. The crews, comprising 15 foreigners, have been referred to judicial authorities.
The protests in Iran, which were largely suppressed by the government, are reportedly being followed by retribution, with doctors who treated injured protesters facing mass arrests, businesses being seized, and critical media being silenced. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has begun a hunger strike in an Iranian prison in protest of her detention.