Farmane-Ilahi

MUSCAT (Web Desk) Iran and the United States (US) have commenced rare high-level talks in Oman today, aimed at restarting negotiations over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear programme.

The meeting, held in Muscat, comes amid a backdrop of heightened regional conflict and growing fears of military confrontation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leads Tehran’s delegation, while the US is represented by President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff—a real estate mogul-turned-diplomat, signifying Trump’s personal stake in the talks.

Despite US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisting the meeting will be direct, Iranian officials maintain the discussions will remain indirect, with Omani mediators relaying messages between the two sides. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has granted Araghchi full negotiating authority.

Tensions have escalated since Trump’s March letter to Khamenei, giving Iran a two-month ultimatum to reach a deal or face military strikes. The US has deployed bombers to Diego Garcia, underscoring its warning.

Meanwhile, Iran continues enriching uranium to 60 percent, near weapons-grade, with Western intelligence warning its stockpile could fuel multiple nuclear warheads.

In a post on social media, Khamenei adviser Ali Shamkhani said Iran seeks a “real and fair” deal and warned that Tehran is prepared to take drastic measures, including cutting ties with international nuclear watchdogs, if provoked.

The talks mark a critical juncture amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. A breakthrough could help stabilise the region, while failure risks fuelling wider escalation.