Senior US and Iranian officials are set to convene in Oman amidst growing fears of military confrontation between the two nations. The talks are crucial as tensions escalate due to Iran's violent suppression of protests, which have reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths.
The crisis follows a US military buildup in the region. US President Donald Trump has been vocal about potential military actions against Iran, escalating the urgency for dialogue. Both sides have maintained different agendas for the meeting. The US aims to broaden discussions beyond Iran's nuclear ambitions to include ballistic missiles and support for regional armed groups, while Iran insists that talks should focus solely on its nuclear program.
The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, faces pressure to navigate these discussions amid calls for serious concessions from the US. Observers note that the upcoming talks may offer the last chance to avert military action that could destabilize the Iranian regime, already under pressure due to recent nationwide protests.
Despite the differences, both parties hope that successful negotiations might pave the way for broader discussions and de-escalation of tensions. The outcome remains uncertain as regional mediators work to structure effective dialogue.
