The US and Iran have agreed to hold nuclear talks in Oman on Friday, as President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the meeting would start at 10:00 (06:00 GMT) in Muscat, which US officials have also confirmed.
The talks had appeared to be in jeopardy, with the two countries at odds over the location and parameters. Trump has built up US forces in the region and threatened military action if Iran does not agree to a deal regarding its nuclear programme and halt actions against protesters. When asked if Khamenei should be worried, Trump stated: I would say he should be very worried.
This sentiment was echoed by Khamenei, who warned the US that any attack on Iran would spark a regional war. Amid ongoing tensions, an Arab diplomat indicated that negotiations between Tehran and Washington were still in flux but never officially cancelled.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted that the talks must address a broader range of issues beyond Iran's nuclear program, including their ballistic missile range and sponsorship of regional terrorism. Araghchi expressed a willingness to negotiate, insisting that a deal concerning nuclear weapons was possible but would also require a lifting of sanctions.
The atmosphere is further complicated by past military actions, such as Trump ordering airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during a period of conflict between Israel and Iran. Distrust remains palpable on both sides, with both countries elaborating demands that may complicate discussions.
Overall, these upcoming talks represent a crucial opportunity for both nations amid a backdrop of military readiness and concerns over regional stability.
The talks had appeared to be in jeopardy, with the two countries at odds over the location and parameters. Trump has built up US forces in the region and threatened military action if Iran does not agree to a deal regarding its nuclear programme and halt actions against protesters. When asked if Khamenei should be worried, Trump stated: I would say he should be very worried.
This sentiment was echoed by Khamenei, who warned the US that any attack on Iran would spark a regional war. Amid ongoing tensions, an Arab diplomat indicated that negotiations between Tehran and Washington were still in flux but never officially cancelled.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted that the talks must address a broader range of issues beyond Iran's nuclear program, including their ballistic missile range and sponsorship of regional terrorism. Araghchi expressed a willingness to negotiate, insisting that a deal concerning nuclear weapons was possible but would also require a lifting of sanctions.
The atmosphere is further complicated by past military actions, such as Trump ordering airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during a period of conflict between Israel and Iran. Distrust remains palpable on both sides, with both countries elaborating demands that may complicate discussions.
Overall, these upcoming talks represent a crucial opportunity for both nations amid a backdrop of military readiness and concerns over regional stability.
