In a significant development from Geneva, Oman has described the ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations as constructive and positive, even as talks took a brief pause. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi shared this update on social media platform X, noting that discussions kicked off Thursday morning but were halted temporarily for a break.
Albusaidi emphasized the productive nature of the exchange, stating, ‘We were sharing creative and positive ideas today in Geneva, and now both US and Iranian negotiators have proceeded to a break. We will resume the talks. We expect progress.’ This comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with these indirect talks mediated by Oman seen as a last-ditch effort to avert conflict following decades of military buildup by the US.
The negotiations follow repeated threats from former US President Donald Trump to strike Iran, including a 15-day ultimatum issued last week for Tehran to reach a deal, as confirmed by Iran’s Foreign Ministry. Albusaidi later clarified that both sides have shown interest in ‘new and creative ideas and solutions.’
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, referencing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reiterated Tehran’s firm stance against developing nuclear weapons, saying the Islamic Republic ‘absolutely’ does not seek them. Meanwhile, UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi may join the Geneva talks, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
While Iran insists the focus remains solely on its nuclear program, the US is pushing for curbs on Tehran’s missile development and support for regional extremists like the Houthis. US Vice President JD Vance had warned earlier that America won’t allow Iran to cross red lines or possess nuclear arms.
As delegations prepare to reconvene, the world watches closely, hoping this mediation yields breakthroughs to de-escalate one of the region’s most volatile flashpoints.