The US and Iran are poised to meet for nuclear discussions in Oman on Friday, as President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric against Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The talks, expected to begin at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT) in Muscat, were previously seen as uncertain due to disagreements between the two nations over terms and venue.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed optimism, stating that a nuclear agreement is achievable. Meanwhile, Trump has positioned US military forces in the region as a show of strength, signaling potential military action should Tehran refuse to comply with demands regarding its nuclear program.
The diplomatic engagement comes amidst escalating tensions, with Khamenei emphasizing that any US assault would ignite a 'regional war'. In the context of internal unrest in Iran fueled by economic grievances, the dialogue is a critical step that many hope could lead to a more stable relationship.
As the groundwork for negotiations continues, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that any productive talks must encompass more than Iran's nuclear developments, addressing the country’s ballistic missile capabilities and regional interference as well. Iran maintains that its nuclear initiative is peaceful, though the US remains skeptical, asserting that a credible threat still lurks in Tehran's ambitions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed optimism, stating that a nuclear agreement is achievable. Meanwhile, Trump has positioned US military forces in the region as a show of strength, signaling potential military action should Tehran refuse to comply with demands regarding its nuclear program.
The diplomatic engagement comes amidst escalating tensions, with Khamenei emphasizing that any US assault would ignite a 'regional war'. In the context of internal unrest in Iran fueled by economic grievances, the dialogue is a critical step that many hope could lead to a more stable relationship.
As the groundwork for negotiations continues, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that any productive talks must encompass more than Iran's nuclear developments, addressing the country’s ballistic missile capabilities and regional interference as well. Iran maintains that its nuclear initiative is peaceful, though the US remains skeptical, asserting that a credible threat still lurks in Tehran's ambitions.
