US and Iran Set to Hold Nuclear Discussions in Oman on Friday

The United States and Iran have confirmed plans to engage in nuclear discussions in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Friday. This meeting comes amidst escalating tensions, with the leaders of both nations exchanging stark warnings. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the talks would commence at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT), and US officials corroborated this arrangement.

Initially, there were concerns the negotiations might be derailed due to disagreements regarding the meeting's location and agenda, but Araghchi expressed gratitude for Oman's role in facilitating these talks. Recent reports suggested that the meeting could have taken place in Turkey, highlighting the fluctuating nature of diplomatic engagements between the two countries.

Despite confirming the talks, it remains unclear whether the US and Iranian officials will reach a consensus on the agenda. Iran has called for discussions solely focused on its nuclear programme, which the country insists is peaceful. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that a broader agenda is necessary. He stated, "If the Iranians want to meet, we're ready," emphasising the inclusion of other critical issues such as Iran's ballistic missile programme, its support for militant groups in the region, and human rights concerns within the country.

A senior Iranian official countered that Iran's missile programme would not be a topic for discussion in the upcoming talks, reflecting the differing positions of the two nations as they approach the negotiations.

In a recent interview with NBC News, US President Donald Trump strongly suggested that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be 'very worried' about the US stance and military presence in the region. Trump alluded to Iran's potential plans to establish new nuclear facilities, indicating ongoing concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The backdrop to these discussions includes a recent wave of protests in Iran, driven by economic grievances such as the plummeting national currency and rising living costs. The Iranian government's crackdown on these demonstrations has led to considerable loss of life, with the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reporting thousands of deaths amidst the civil unrest. In response, Khamenei has labelled the protests as foreign-instigated 'sedition.'

As both sides prepare for the meeting, the situation remains fluid, with regional powers closely monitoring developments. The outcome of these discussions could significantly influence US-Iran relations, which have been marked by distrust and escalating tension in recent years.