Washington is bracing for heightened tensions as President Donald Trump delivers yet another stern warning to Iran just hours before crucial nuclear negotiations kick off in Oman. Scheduled for Friday morning at 10 AM local time in Muscat, the talks represent a pivotal moment in the ongoing standoff between the two nations.
Originally slated for Turkey, the venue shift to Oman came after Iran expressed strong reservations about the initial location. Tehran proposed Oman as a neutral ground, and both sides quickly agreed to the change. This adjustment underscores the delicate diplomacy at play amid escalating rhetoric.
In a pointed interview with NBC News, Trump zeroed in on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. ‘I would say he should be very concerned. Yes, he should be concerned,’ the president stated, highlighting the growing might of U.S. forces in the region. He cautioned that any attempt by Tehran to revive its nuclear program would unleash a fresh wave of attacks.
Trump’s latest salvo builds on weeks of threats, including vows of severe military response to Iran’s crackdown on protesters, which he claims has resulted in thousands of deaths. The U.S. leader has repeatedly called for new leadership in Tehran, amplifying pressure on the regime.
On the other side, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi took to social media platform X to confirm the meeting details. ‘Nuclear talks with the U.S. are set for around 10 AM Friday in Muscat. Grateful to our Omani brothers for all arrangements,’ he posted, signaling readiness despite the barbs.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has outlined broader agenda items beyond nukes, including Iran’s ballistic missile development, support for proxy networks across the Middle East, and its domestic human rights record. Yet Iran insists the discussions remain strictly bilateral and limited to nuclear issues.
As the world watches, Trump’s unyielding stance could either force concessions or derail the talks entirely. The outcome in Oman may reshape regional security for years to come, with stakes higher than ever.