Negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East are set to resume tomorrow in Oman. This shift follows reports of an impending withdrawal by the Islamic Republic from discussions over its nuclear program. According to Axios, the talks will now take place in Muscat, the capital of Oman, instead of Istanbul.
The US delegation will include Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law. A primary concern for the United States is Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates that Iran currently possesses approximately 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. This level of enrichment is just a technical step away from the 90 percent threshold that categorizes uranium as weapons-grade.
Reports suggest that heavy lobbying from Arab leaders influenced the decision to continue the talks. One US official stated, “They asked us to keep the meeting and listen to what the Iranians have to say.” Despite maintaining a skeptical outlook, the Trump administration agreed to the venue change “to be respectful” of regional allies and to pursue diplomatic avenues.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi confirmed the commencement of talks at 10:00 AM tomorrow, expressing gratitude to Oman for facilitating the arrangements. This diplomatic development comes on the heels of a series of military incidents in the region, including the downing of an Iranian drone by US forces.
On the night of March 12, 2024, US Central Command (Centcom) reported that the drone was on a course aimed at the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier stationed in the Arabian Sea. Centcom spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins stated that the drone approached the ship with “unclear intent” despite de-escalatory measures in place. The drone was ultimately intercepted and destroyed by an F-35C fighter approximately 500 miles from Iran’s southern coast.
Just hours later, two Iranian vessels attempted to seize the American-flagged oil tanker, the Stena Imperative. Centcom confirmed that the tanker was threatened by two small boats and a Mohajer drone, which approached at high speeds. The USS McFaul responded to the situation and escorted the Stena Imperative through the waters, providing defensive air support from the US Air Force.
As the diplomatic talks move forward, the international community will be closely watching the outcomes, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the ongoing military tensions in the region. The developments underscore the delicate balance of power and the complexity of negotiations in the Middle East landscape.
