Iran06 February, 20262 min read
Iran Signals More Negotiations After United States Holds 'Very Good' Indirect Nuclear Talks in Oman
United States and Iran held Oman‑mediated indirect nuclear talks in Muscat. Both sides described the talks positively and agreed to consult capitals and continue negotiations.
15 outlets told this the same way.
Muscat talks summary
U.S. and Iranian officials met indirectly in Muscat, Oman, in talks brokered and facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al‑Busaidi. Participants described the meetings as a constructive opening and a potential channel for further diplomacy. Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, called the exchanges a "very good start" in several accounts.
“Iran and the United States held eight hours of indirect talks in Muscat on Friday and left with a mutual intention to keep the channel open and possibly reconvene within days, Omani and Iranian officials said.”
Delegations paused to consult their leaders before agreeing to any formal follow‑up. Reports describe the meetings as limited, preparatory contacts intended to prepare conditions for more substantive diplomatic and technical negotiations rather than to finalize arrangements immediately.
Iran and Oman talks
Several sources reported both sides signalled willingness to keep lines open. Oman expressed hope the exchanges could produce a framework for further negotiations. Iran said any follow-up would depend on consultations in Tehran.
Omani officials framed the meeting as setting suitable conditions for resuming talks. Iran's Araghchi described the atmosphere as constructive but insisted follow-ups depend on capitals and on conditions such as talks proceeding without threats.
Diplomatic contacts amid U.S. resolve
The diplomatic contacts took place against a visibly tense security backdrop and public displays of U.S. resolve. Multiple outlets reported U.S. preparations and stern warnings. President Trump reiterated a hard-line posture, warned Iran's supreme leader that he "should be very worried," and the White House underlined options ranging from diplomacy to military measures, with some accounts saying U.S. forces were readied nearby to underscore that the dialogue unfolded alongside a show of hard power.
“President Trump reiterated a hard-line stance toward Iran while preparing a naval strike group for potential action, signaling readiness to use force if necessary.”
Nuclear talks and tensions
Key policy gaps remain visible: Tehran insisted the meetings be limited to its nuclear programme and conditioned follow‑ups on the absence of threats, while Washington has pushed to widen the agenda to include ballistic missiles and regional activities. Some envoys reportedly floated a three‑year halt to enrichment and shipping out highly enriched uranium (HEU), while Iran rejected proposals to export its uranium and resisted limits on missiles. At home, Iran’s crackdown on protests and economic strain shape Tehran’s negotiating space.
Mixed outlook on talks
Observers and outlets differed on the outlook and tone of risk. Some described the session as a rare opening with hope for a framework and quick reconvening. Others warned the talks may founder on core disagreements or be overshadowed by recent strikes, sanctions, and domestic repression in Iran.
“Oman said the sides are expected to reconvene and hopes the dialogue can produce a framework for further negotiations.”
Reporting remains partly inconsistent over whether the indirect meetings formally began or were only expected to start. Several sources stress that any progress depends on consultations in capitals, meaning signals of more negotiations are provisional and contingent.
