Iran has paused its nuclear negotiations with the United States, leaving the future of the talks uncertain. The latest round of discussions, held in Oman, was intended to restart dialogue on Tehran’s nuclear programme but concluded without any concrete plan or timeline for further engagement.
The meetings were led by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff. According to officials, the talks remained largely at a broad, conceptual level, avoiding detailed technical discussions that would be necessary for progress.
Iran Confirms Stalemate
On Friday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson acknowledged that the negotiations had stalled. While both sides agreed to engage, there was little movement on key disagreements that have long hindered progress between Washington and Tehran.
This admission underlined growing doubts about whether the diplomatic channel can be revived in the near future, especially amid continued regional instability.
Oman’s Mediation Efforts
Oman played a central role in facilitating the talks. Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi acted as a mediator, shuttling between the Iranian and US delegations in an effort to keep the process alive. Jared Kushner, former US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, was also involved in the discussions, adding a political dimension to the backchannel diplomacy.
In a statement, Oman described the meetings as a step toward “lasting security and stability” in the region, while cautioning that achieving such an outcome would require political courage and difficult decisions from all parties involved.
Araghchi’s Warning and Historical Context
Following the talks, Abbas Araghchi took to X to outline Iran’s position. “Iran enters diplomacy with open eyes and firm memories from last year. We negotiate in honest faith, standing firmly on our rights. Promises must be fulfilled,” he wrote.
His remarks appeared to reference events from last June, when Israeli strikes targeted Tehran. The situation escalated further when the United States subsequently bombed Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities and air defence systems—actions that significantly eroded trust and complicated diplomatic efforts.
Iran Signals Readiness Amid Calls for Caution
Mohammad Fathali, Iran’s ambassador to India, reiterated Tehran’s stance that it does not seek war but is prepared for any eventuality. He urged the international community to reflect on the real consequences of a military conflict, warning that escalation would have far-reaching implications.
No Immediate Path Forward
With negotiations paused and no clear plan for resumption, uncertainty surrounds the future of Iran-US nuclear diplomacy. Global attention remains fixed on the Middle East, where tensions continue to simmer. For now, observers see little indication of an imminent breakthrough, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.