Washington is gearing up for a pivotal moment in Middle East diplomacy as the United States and Iran prepare to sit down for nuclear talks in Oman starting Friday. The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump’s team is prioritizing diplomacy to dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions completely.
Iran’s Foreign Minister arrived in Oman late Thursday, setting the stage for high-stakes negotiations. Representing the U.S. will be special envoy Steve Witkoff, joined by Jared Kushner. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced their departure for Oman, emphasizing the administration’s strategic shift to this neutral venue.
Leavitt underscored President Trump’s unwavering stance: diplomacy first, but with zero tolerance for Iran’s nuclear pursuits. ‘The President has been crystal clear about demanding zero nuclear capability from the Iranian regime,’ she stated, hinting at potential deals while keeping military options on the table.
This comes amid years of tense U.S.-Iran relations, marked by sanctions, proxy conflicts, and backchannel communications. Oman has long served as a discreet facilitator, hosting secret talks when formal channels falter. As Trump awaits updates from his envoys post-meeting, the world watches to see if this could thaw decades of hostility or escalate tensions further.
The talks focus on curbing Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, alongside broader regional security concerns. Leavitt warned Iran of America’s unmatched military might, reminding them that diplomacy isn’t unconditional. With no deadlines disclosed, the outcome remains uncertain, but the message is clear: negotiate seriously or face consequences.