US-Iran Nuclear Talks Begin Amid High Tensions and Ultimatums

Key Points

• • The US and Iran have initiated high-stakes nuclear talks in Oman, marking their first direct discussions in a decade, though Iran insists on indirect negotiations through mediators.
• • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are participating, with the Omani Foreign Minister serving as a mediator.
• • President Trump has given Iran a two-month deadline to accept a nuclear deal, threatening military action if negotiations fail.
• • The stakes are high, with Trump indicating that military strikes could occur, and Israel likely to take the lead in any military response.
• • Iran is pushing for an "initial understanding" that could pave the way for future negotiations but has laid out "red lines" it won't cross during talks.
• • Trump aims to secure a stronger agreement than the 2015 nuclear deal, which he withdrew from in 2018, but specifics on how the new deal would differ remain unclear.
• • US officials may push for the dismantling of Iran’s entire nuclear program, a proposal Iranian officials have rejected as unacceptable.
• • The meeting is seen as a crucial test of whether Iran is willing to engage in high-level discussions on various issues beyond its nuclear program.
• • Trump has expressed a preference for negotiation over conflict, despite Israel's advocacy for military action against Iran.
• • The talks come amid concerns over Iran's accelerated uranium enrichment, which is nearing weapons-grade levels.
• • The US has increased military presence in the Middle East, particularly in response to Iran-backed groups in Yemen.
• • Former officials caution that the meeting may simply serve as a preliminary discussion rather than a formal negotiation.