The first round of high level-meetings was held inOman on April 12, 2025, led byU.S. Special EnvoySteve Witkoff andIranian Foreign MinisterAbbas Araghchi.[8][9] At the time, both the Iranian Foreign Minister and the White House said that the discussions held were described as being constructive.[8] The second round of Omani-mediated talks took place inRome on April 19, 2025, again with indirect discussions between Witkoff and Araghchi.[10] This was followed by a third high-level round inMuscat around a week later,[11] and an expert-level meeting to develop a framework for a possible nuclear agreement,[12] led byMichael Anton for the U.S. and byMajid Takht-Ravanchi for Iran.[13][14]
The US military has been building up its presence in the Middle East as the threat of war escalates.[15] US bases throughout the region accommodate approximately 50,000 American troops.[16][17] As part of the peace proposals, Iran offered to build at least 19 additionalreactors, suggesting that contracts for these projects could help revive the struggling U.S. nuclear industry.[18][19] Araghchi's planned speech announcing this, however, was cancelled.[19][20]
On May 27, Trump said both sides were close to finalizing the talks, with strong inspections.[21] Araghchi stated he was unsure whether a deal was imminent, while Khamenei advisorShamkhani said Trump's desired control over the Iranian nuclear program was a "fantasy".[22][23][24][25] Israel has reportedly threatened to preemptively attack Iranian nuclear installations with potential forewarning.[26][27] On May 31, theIAEA reported that Iran had amassed a record amount of military-gradeenriched uranium.[28]
On June 11, US embassies in Iraq and other Arab states began to evacuate personnel in response to Iranian threats on American bases.[29][30][31][32][33] TheHouthis threatened retaliation against the United States should an attack be launched on Iran.[34][35] President Trump was reportedly provided a range of options for an attack on Iran by CENTCOM.[36] The UK issued a threat advisory for ships in thePersian Gulf.[37] The IAEA declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations on June 12.[38]
The following day, Israel launchedlarge-scale attacks on Iran. Israel's attacks targeted Iran's top military leaders and nuclear scientists.[39][40][41] Following the attacks, Iran pulled out and suspended nuclear talks indefinitely.[42] The United States also carried out a series ofstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran's nuclear program has been a focal point of international scrutiny for decades. Although the country suspended itsformal nuclear weapons program in 2003,[43] in December 2024, the UN nuclear watchdogIAEA reported enrichment to levels approaching weapons-grade. It also found an unprecedented stockpile of highly enriched uranium without a credible civilian purpose, giving Iran the capacity to produce enough fissile material for multiple bombs on short notice.[44][45] The program has received external assistance, including fromPakistan andNorth Korea, with the latter supplying both missiles and uranium.[46] In January 2025, the exiled opposition groupNational Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) alleged that Iran is developinglong-range missiles under theIRGC, with ranges up to 3,000 kilometres (1,900 mi).[47][48] Iran says its nuclear activities are purely peaceful.[44] Senior adviserKamal Kharrazi stated that Iran has the technical capacity to build nuclear weapons but is constrained by afatwa issued byKhamenei, adding that this stance could change if the country’s existence were threatened.[49]
Analysts and researchers say that a nuclear-armed Iran poses significant global security risks and undermines the stability of theMiddle East. IAEA chiefRafael Grossi warned that an Iranian nuclear weapon could trigger broadnuclear proliferation, as other countries, particularly in the Middle East, may seek similar capabilities in response. Concerns also exist that Iran's nuclear assets could fall into the hands of extremist factions due to internal instability or regime change.[50] Additionally, Iran's success in acquiring nuclear weapons could encourage other regional powers to seek their own nuclear arsenals. The potential transfer of nuclear technology or weapons to radical states and terrorist organizations heightens fears ofnuclear terrorism.[51] Scholars argue that a nuclear-armed Iran could feel emboldened to increase itssupport for terrorism and insurgency—core elements of its strategy—while deterring retaliation through its newfound nuclear leverage.[52]
In response to Iran's nuclear program, the international community imposedsanctions that severely impacted its economy, restricting its oil exports and limiting access to global financial systems.[53] In 2015, however, theJoint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed, imposing strict limitations on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.[54] In 2018, theUnited States withdrew from the agreement, with PresidentDonald Trump stating that "the heart of the Iran deal was a giant fiction: that a murderous regime desired only a peaceful nuclear energy program".[55] The US also contended that the agreement was inadequate because it did not impose limitations on Iran's ballistic missile program,[56] and failed to curb its backing of proxy groups.[57] Prior to the second Trump administration, the Biden administration held talks with Iran that were ultimately unsuccessful.[58]
In February 2025, Trump reinstated themaximum pressure campaign to push Iran into a new nuclear deal, prevent its development of nuclear weapons, and counter its regional influence.[59] He said he would not tolerate an "Iranian nuclear weapons capability"[59] and did not rule out supporting military action if diplomacy failed,[60] with his team stating that "all options are on the table" when it comes to Iran.[61]
In April 2025, Atomic Energy Organization of Iran chiefMohammad Eslami declared Iran plans to build more nuclear power plants.[62]
On March 7, Trump announced that he had written a letter to Ali Khamenei, expressing his desire to initiate new nuclear negotiations with Iran.[63][64] He warned that failure to accept the proposal could expose Iran to serious military consequences.[65][66][67] Trump also imposed additional sanctions on the country and pledged to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero.[68] According to Emirati political scientist Abdulkhaleq Abdullah, the letter included demands that Iran fully dismantle its nuclear program, halt all enrichment, and end support for regional proxy groups, with compliance required within two months. In exchange, the U.S. offered to lift sanctions and normalize relations, while warning that failure to negotiate would result in military strikes.[69][70]
Initially, Khamenei did not acknowledge the letter, indicating that Iran would not meet the new expectations.[65] During March 2025, Iran and the U.S. engaged in indirect exchanges over Trump’s letter, with both sides issuing threats.[65][71][72][73][74][75] Khamenei reportedly changed his mind about the negotiations after his advisors warned that the threat of war with the United States and the deepening economic crisis could bring down the regime.[76] By the end of March, the Iranian leadership sent a reply to the letter expressing readiness for nuclear negotiations.[76]
Second Round Brad Cooper and Jared Kushner and Ali Larijani were added to talks.Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey joined the meditations effort.[82]Abbas Iraqchi contacted Ministries of Foreign relations of UAE and Pakistan and Oman via phone as well.[83]
The first round was held on April 12, 2025, inMuscat,Oman.[84] The talks were led by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi; each delegation was in separate rooms, with messages relayed through Omani mediators.[80][85][77][8] The discussions were described as constructive.[8] Afterwards, the leaders of both negotiating teams spoke briefly in person.[84]
An Iranian news outlet reported that during the talks in Oman, Iran proposed a three-step plan to reach a deal with the United States:
Iran would agree to temporarily lower its uranium enrichment to 3.67% in return for access to frozen financial assets in the United States and authorization to export its oil.
Iran would permanently halt high-level uranium enrichment, restore inspections by the UN nuclear watchdogIAEA, and commit to implementing theAdditional Protocol, allowing for surprise inspections at undeclared sites. These steps would be taken if the United States lifts further sanctions and persuades Britain, Germany, and France not to trigger thesnapback of UN sanctions against Tehran.
The U.S. Congress would approve the nuclear agreement and Washington would lift both primary and secondary sanctions, while Iran would transfer its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium to a third country.[86]
Iran had reportedly also proposed steps to deescalate tensions, including a pledge to disarm and freeze the activities ofHamas, theHouthis,Hezbollah, andHashd al-Shaabi.[87]
U.S. envoy Witkoff reportedly welcomed the proposals presented by the Iranian delegation in Muscat, which was unexpected by the Iranian side.[86]
In early April, Iranian military advisor and security council politicianShamkhani warned that Iran would expelIAEA inspectors if threats for foreign aggression persisted.[88] Later that month, IAEA chiefRafael Grossi visited Iran and met Araghchi. Grossi said they were "in a very crucial stage of these important negotiations" and that he worked to facilitate the process.[89]
The second round of Omani-mediated talks inRome occurred on April 19, 2025, one week after the initial meeting in Muscat, the capital of Oman in four hours.[10] Once again, the indirect discussions were led by Araghchi and Witkoff, with messages conveyed through Omani Foreign MinisterBadr al-Busaidi. Afterwards, U.S. president Trump said that he was open to meet Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.[90]
Following the second round of talks, the Israeli Air Force reportedly conducted drills simulating an Iranian missile attack on Israeli airbases.[91] Meanwhile, Iran was reported to be constructing a large security barrier around two underground tunnel complexes linked to its main nuclear facility.[92] Russia promised to fund the construction of a nuclear reactor in Iran.[93] China, Russia, and Iran held a joint meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on April 24 to discuss Iran's nuclear program.[94]
The third round of high-level negotiations took place on April 26, 2025, along with the first round of expert-level talks.[11][95] The high-level talks were described as serious and productive, with both sides aiming for an agreement based on mutual respect. Araghchi reported progress but noted that key differences remained.[11]
Trump's special envoy, Witkoff, aims to finalize the deal within 60 days; however, he is likely to encounter resistance from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi due to the significant mistrust between the two parties. Another critical issue is Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium and its potential destruction, for which the US would agree to lift economic sanctions. While Iran intends to retain its enriched uranium stockpile within its borders, the US insists on transferring it to a third country. Additionally, Iran seeks guarantees to protect itself in the event that the US withdraws from or violates the agreement.[10]
France warned that if no deal was reached on Iran's nuclear program, it was prepared to trigger thesnapback mechanism to restore U.N. sanctions to reinstate the U.N. sanctions that were lifted under theJCPOA. Along with Britain and Germany, France could activate this process before the JCPOA expires in October, which would permanently cut Iran off from key technology, investment, and European markets, dealing a severe blow to its economy.[96] However, Iranian foreign ministerAraghchi later warned the European parties against initiating snapback sanctions, cautioning that such a move would severely harm the negotiations — a warning he repeated several times in the following weeks.[97][98][99]
Iran proposed holding further talks with European participation, while also offering investment opportunities.[100][101]
On April 30, US Treasury sanctioned 6 Chinese chemical components companies connected to Iran.[102]
On May 1, defense secretaryHegseth posted that Iran will pay for supporting Houthis attacks on merchant ships in Red Sea crisis. President Trump warned secondary sanctions on entities buying any oil and petrochemicals from Iran. Rubio warned to walk away from nuclear enrichment. Araghchi canceled the May 4 meeting on "technical reason".[103][104][105] Trump called for full dismantling of nuclear enrichment.[106] Iran then created a new ballistic missile and threatened to hit US military bases.[107][108]Revolutionary Guard GeneralSalami has warned that IRGC would open hell gates on invaders.[109]
The fourth round of negotiations, originally scheduled for May 3, 2025, in Rome, was postponed amid rising tensions. Iranian officials cited U.S. sanctions, military action against the Houthis, and what they described as "contradictory behaviour and provocative statements" by Washington as contributing factors, while stating that a new date would depend on the U.S. approach. Oman, which has mediated previous rounds, referred to logistical reasons for the delay. A source familiar with the matter indicated that the United States had not confirmed its participation, and that the timing and venue for the next round remained unconfirmed.[110]
The negotiations are taking place amid dailyrolling blackouts across Iran due toongoing electricity shortages.[111] Supporters of Iran's nuclear program argue that the country requires nuclear energy for electricity generation.[111]
On May 7, 2025, ahead of the2025 visit by Donald Trump to the Middle East, U.S. officials reported that presidentDonald Trump had decided that United States federal agencies would refer to thePersian Gulf as the"Arabian Gulf" or the "Gulf of Arabia" and had plans to make it official during a planned visit toSaudi Arabia later in May.[112][113] This plan received outrage and condemnation from Iranians and the Iranian government, and could harm the negotiations.[114][115][116] The proposed change was opposed by Iranians across the political spectrum, who displayed rare unity in rejecting the possible American move.[117][118] Later that day, however, Trump told reporters that he had yet to make a decision whether to use "Arabian Gulf", stating, "I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings," appearing to acknowledge Iran's fierce opposition to that name. He said he would decide while on his visit,[119][113] yet no announcement was made.
That same day,JD Vance said that the deal would allowIran to rejoin the global economy.[120]
Republican SenatorsLindsey Graham andTom Cotton warned the next day that any future U.S.–Iran nuclear agreement would requireSenate approval to be durable, and that such approval would only be possible if Iran fully dismantled its enrichment capabilities and addressed its missile and terrorism activities.[121] A group of Senate Republicans called for the inclusion of a123 Agreement, which would impose strict safeguards and require full dismantlement before any cooperation.[122] While such agreements regulate peaceful nuclear cooperation, experts noted that applying one to Iran would be highly unusual due to its history of proliferation violations and ongoingIAEA investigations.[122] According to a well-informed source, a 123 Agreement was included in the current talks with Iran.[122]
Fox News released a video titled "Satellite images show alleged Iranian nuclear weapons facility" on May 9.[123] The video allegedly revealed a previously unknown Iranian nuclear weapons site, a 2,500-acre facility referred to as the "Rainbow Site," in theSemnan province. According to Fox News, it has operated for over a decade under the cover of the chemical company "Diba Energy Siba",[124][125] and is involved intritium extraction, a process with almost no civilian or commercial uses but known to enhance nuclear weapons.[126] Araghchi rejected the report, calling it Israeli-driven propaganda aimed at disrupting the negotiations with the U.S.[125] He accused theNational Council of Resistance of Iran of spreading this "fabricated report".[126]
The next day, Witkoff stated that Iran's uranium enrichment facilities must be dismantled for Washington to believe its claim of not seeking nuclear weapons.[127] He added that Iran must permanently end its enrichment program, stressing that this requires dismantling its facilities atNatanz,Fordow, andIsfahan, and ensuring there is no weaponization.[128] He emphasized that if the next round of talks with Iran fail to yield results, they will end and the U.S. will pursue alternative options.[128]
During his speech on May 10, Khamenei supported chants of "death to America".[129]
The fourth round of talks were held on May 11 in Oman prior to Trump's visit to the Middle East.[130] The talks were high-level only, focusing on a broader framework, with technical negotiators not participating.[128][better source needed] lasted for more than three hours, with both sides calling the discussions difficult but constructive and agreeing to continue.[131][132] According to unnamed Iranian officials, Iran proposed a joint nuclear-enrichment project with regional Arab states and U.S. investment as an alternative to dismantling its nuclear program. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff denied this was discussed. The plan's feasibility remains uncertain given regional tensions and the lack of diplomatic ties between Iran and the U.S. for 45 years.[133]
On May 12 the U.S. imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian nuclear research with possible military applications,[134] followed days later by sanctions on individuals and entities in China and Iran over support for Iran's ballistic missile program.[135]
On May 14, 52 senators and 177 congressmen wrote a letter to Trump to reject any deal that would allow Iran to continue uranium enrichment, stating that no agreement should leave open a path to nuclear weapons.[136] On May 14, Iran ratified theUN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime as part of its efforts to meet theFATF Action Plan requirements for improving its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing system.[137]
DuringDonald Trump's trip to the Middle East in mid-May, he mentioned Iran on several occasions. InSaudi Arabia, he called Iran the most destructive force in the Middle East and stated that Iran's leaders had focused on stealing their people's wealth to fund terror and bloodshed, tearing the region down.[138] During that same visit though, he offered an olive branch to Iran, expressing his strongest willingness so far to engage in negotiations. The move was seen as a shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing that the U.S. does not see any nation as a permanent enemy.[139] During his next stop, Trump appealed toQatari'semir to use his influence to help persuade Iran to reach a deal with the U.S. over its nuclear program, calling the situation perilous and stressing the need for a solution.[140]
Khamenei advisorShamkhani responded to Trump's offer and said that the Iranian government was ready to sign the nuclear deal in exchange for the quick removal of all financial sanctions,[141] at the same time criticizing Trump's rhetoric and ongoing threats, saying: “He speaks of an olive branch, but we see only barbed wire.”[141] Trump confirmed that the U.S. was very close to reaching a nuclear deal with Iran and that he preferred a peaceful solution over military action.[142] However, Iranian officials denied having received a new U.S. proposal and insisted they would not give up their right to enrich uranium.[142] Although both countries expressed a preference for diplomacy, sharp disagreements persisted and continued to block progress toward an agreement, increasing the risk of military confrontation.[142]
On May 16, Trump sent Iran a nuclear proposal and warned that swift progress was necessary to avoid serious consequences.[143][144] The Trump administration increasingly demanded that Iran abandon uranium enrichment, making this a central issue.[145] Khamenei rejected the proposal, dismissing this U.S. demand as "excessive and outrageous".[146][147] He accused Trump of lying about seeking peace and declared him unworthy of a response.[146][147] Khamenei also reiterated that Israel is "cancerous tumour" that must be uprooted.[147]
The same day Trump urged Iran to "move quickly" toward a deal, Iran held talks with European powers inIstanbul about its nuclear negotiations with the U.S. Iranian foreign minister Araghchi cautioned that reinstating UN sanctions, which had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear agreement that expires in October this year, could lead to "irreversible" consequences.[148][149]
On May 20,CNN reported Israel was preparing to strike Iranian nuclear facilities,[150] an action that would mark a clear break with Trump['s efforts].[150] Iran warned that any Israeli attack would be met with a “devastating and decisive response.”[151] The day after, the U.S. imposed new measures targeting Iran's construction sector, linked to theIRGC, and restricted 10 materials tied to its nuclear and military programs.[152]
The fifth round of talks, held on May 23 in Rome, ended without a breakthrough, though both sides agreed to continue discussions. U.S. officials described the talks as constructive but emphasized that significant differences remained, particularly over the demand from the U.S. that Iran dismantle its uranium enrichment program. Iran maintained that while it was open to limiting enrichment levels, giving up enrichment entirely was unacceptable and would collapse the negotiations.[152] After these mixed signals, Trump was optimistic and said that progress had been made.[153][154]
In the weeks leading up to the fifth round, tensions between Trump and Israeli Prime MinisterNetanyahu had increased over the U.S. decision to engage in nuclear talks with Iran, which Israel viewed as a serious threat to its security and regional interests.[155] Israel strongly opposed the negotiations, lobbying against diplomatic efforts and threatening unilateral military action, including potential strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, a position critics warn could endanger diplomacy and heighten regional tensions.[156] Iran had reportedly strengthened its air defense systems and increased military investments in preparation for a possible U.S. or Israeli attack if negotiations failed.[157][158] Iran also ordered a large amount of Chinese solid-fuel components for ballistic missiles.[159] Iranian foreign minister Araghchi warned that any war against Iran would cause widespread destruction across the Middle East, and the entire region would suffer if conflict erupted.[156]
On May 26, Austria's domestic intelligence service reported that Iran is pursuing an advanced nuclear weapons program with ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads over long distances.[160][161] Iran rejected the intelligence report as "false and baseless," calling it an attempt to create "media hype" against Iran and lacking any credibility.[161] Iran also denied having agreed to a three-year pause of its enrichment program.[162]
On June 2,Reuters reported that Iran was preparing to decline the U.S. proposal.[163][164] After speculation that Iran might be allowed limited uranium enrichment under a possible deal, SenatorSchumer demanded that Witkoff testify beforeCongress to clarify whether any such side agreement exists.[165] The administration publicly maintained that Iran would not be permitted to enrich uranium.[165] Trump also declared firmly that the deal would prohibit it.[166] Khamenei responded that uranium enrichment is central to Iran's nuclear program and he rejected U.S. demands to halt it.[167]
Although the American government had suspended new sanctions on Iran on June 2,[168] just four days later it imposed secondary sanctions on 10 individuals and 27 financial investment companies and trading firms.[169]
On June 9, Iran rejected the Trump administration's proposal for a new nuclear deal but announced plans to present a counteroffer through Omani mediators. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei called the U.S. proposal unacceptable and not aligned with the ongoing negotiations. The main points of disagreement include Iran's right to continue domestic uranium enrichment, the handling of its current stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, and the conditions for liftingsanctions against Iran. While Trump demanded the full dismantlement of Iran's enrichment program, Iranian leaders insisted that enrichment was non-negotiable. The latest U.S. offer reportedly included assistance in building nuclear power reactors and allowed limited enrichment until a regional consortium facility becomes operational.[170][171] A central demand from Iran is that sanctions relief must bring tangible economic benefits. Baghaei emphasized that this includes guarantees of restored banking and trade ties with other countries before any sanctions are lifted.[170][172] He also urged the international community to address Israel's undeclared nuclear arsenal and prevent it from derailing negotiations.[170]
On June 10, Trump stated in a Fox News interview that Iran was becoming "much more aggressive" in the negotiations.[173] The following day, Iranian defense ministerAziz Nasirzadeh warned that if negotiations with the U.S. collapse and conflict erupts, Iran will target American bases in the region. He stated that all U.S. bases in nearby countries are within reach. Trump also repeatedly threatened Iran with military action if no deal is reached.[174] U.S. defense secretaryHegseth announced that the U.S. military was getting ready in case the talks fail.[175]
On June 12, 2025, IAEA found Iran non-compliant with its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years.[176] The IAEA stated that Iran's repeated failure to fully address questions about undeclared nuclear material and activities amounts to non-compliance.[177] It also raised concerns over Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, which could be used for both reactor fuel and nuclear weapons.[177] Iran dismissed the resolution as politically motivated,[177] and declared plans to build a new enrichment site and install advanced centrifuges.[178]
Beginning on June 13, 2025,Israel struck multiple targets acrossIran[179] with the stated goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.[180] The attacks damaged key nuclear facilities and killed several of Iran's top military leaders.[181][182][183] Among those injured was Khamenei's political advisorAli Shamkhani, who oversaw negotiations between the United States and Iran.[184] Following the attack, the sixth round of US-Iran talks, scheduled for June 15[173] inOman, were indefinitely suspended.[42] In an initial response to the strikes, Trump stated that the U.S. “of course” supported Israel, adding that the 60-day deadline for the negotiations had just expired.[185]
On June 17, the White House explored a meeting between envoy Witkoff and Iran’s foreign ministerAbbas Araghchi to revive negotiations and prevent further conflict.[186] Trump used the threat of U.S. military capabilities, including bunker-buster bombs, as leverage.[187][186] He escalated demands for Iran’s unconditional surrender while warning of additional military action.[188] Iran responded by making counter-threats.[189] Trump alternated between urging diplomacy and signaling support to continue pressure.[190][191]
On June 21, following orders from Trump, the U.S. bombed theFordow uranium enrichment facility, theNatanz nuclear facility, and theIsfahan nuclear technology center in Iran.[192] On June 24, Trump declared a ceasefire[193] which has since held.[194][195] Senior American officials emphasized they do not want the conflict with Iran to escalate.[194]
Afterwards, U.S. envoyWitkoff stated that the U.S. and Iran were engaging in both direct and mediated discussions aimed at returning to negotiations for a comprehensive peace agreement.[196] He also emphasized that the American position requires Iran to halt all uranium enrichment—a stance the White House had not consistently maintained during the earlier rounds of negotiations.[196] Trump said later that he had recently considered limited sanctions relief to aid Iran’s recovery, but tied any step to a more conciliatory tone from Iran and he ended with an appeal for peace.[197]
In mid-August, Iran’s foreign ministerAraghchi said that the conditions were not yet in place for “effective” nuclear talks with the United States, while stressing that Tehran will not sever cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdogIAEA. Since the strikes on Iran,IAEA inspectors have been unable to visit Iranian sites, even as chiefRafael Grossi has insisted that access is essential.[198]
On October 13, 2025, Trump stated that the United States was ready to reach an agreement with Iran. He expressed optimism that an agreement could be achieved. In response, Iranian foreign minister Araghchi said Tehran would consider any proposal from the United States that was “fair and balanced,” though he noted that no concrete framework for talks had yet been presented and that messages between the two sides were exchanged through intermediaries.[199] Despite the conciliatory language from Trump, his administration maintained a firm stance toward Iran, and observers noted that significant barriers still stood in the way of improved relations between the two nations.[200] During earlier nuclear negotiations, the Trump administration pressed Iran to completely dismantle its nuclear and missile programs, a demand that Iran refused.[201][202]
On 6 February, the United States and Iran held indirect talks inMuscat, Oman, mediated by Oman's foreign ministerBadr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. American officials cast doubt over the efficacy of the talks, with Secretary of State,Marco Rubio saying that "I’m not sure you can reach a deal with these guys"[203] and Vice PresidentJ.D. Vance expressing frustration over the fact that the Supreme Leader, who runs the country, does not participate in the negotiations, thereby placing obstacles on the path of diplomacy.[204]
The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while U.S. representatives included Steve Witkoff,Jared Kushner and CENTCOM commander AdmiralBrad Cooper.[205]
Despite some initial false reports about direct talks, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi did not meet face to face with any members of the U.S. envoy and the entire session was mediated by Oman's foreign minister. The discussions focused on Iran's nuclear program and were described externally by Iranian officials as a "good start,"[206] while at the same time those leading Friday prayers within Iran dismissed the prospects of diplomacy in their sermons, a message likely coming from the office ofAli Khamenei.[207] Both sides agreed to continue diplomatic engagement despite deep mistrust and disagreements over the agenda.[206] Araghchi noted that further negotiations were agreed upon, though their date and manner were yet to be determined.[208] According toLe Monde, Iran "sought to extend the process",of the negotiations, "aiming to delay the possibility of a US attack," while the U.S. "sought to secure an agreement as soon as possible."[208]
Iranian regime's hardliners criticized the negations. While the government offered to dilute the remaining 60% enriched uranium in exchange for full sanctions lift.[209] President Trump has stated there would be a second aircraft carrier getting sent to Persian Gulf if a deal is unreachable.[210][211] Patriot missiles launchers were erected in Qatari's Al Udeid airbase in defense preparation. The Chinese YLC-8B UHF-Band 3D long-range anti-stealth surveillance radar was reportedly deployed in Iran.[212][213][214][215][216][217][218] It has been pointed out that the statements made by Iranian officials within Iran are much more hardline than those made abroad during the negotiations, pointing to a government that is unsure how much it is ultimately willing to compromise.[219]
Aaraghchi criticized Germany's Chancellor Merz after he called for more pressure on the regime tweeting "Now, Merz is begging to be allowed back into the same negotiations"[220][221]
Ahead of the second meeting round Larijani met withQatari'sEmirSheikhTamim bin Hamad Al Thani for talks.[222]Abbas Araghchi stated they are negotiating for nuclear peace deal one better thanObama'sJCPOA. He said that our missiles are not subject of negotiations and shall not be infringed. Larijani stated that when a first deal is reached, then it can be expanded.[223][224][225][226] Potus stated talks for deal will resolve next month very quickly.[227]
BBC reported that Araghchi stated he wanted to speak with Europeans in Berlin, Paris and London.[228] Khamenei told his supporters not to protest and insult the talks and that the talks are just a delay until the Islamic Shiite state is established.[229]Mehdi Kouchakzadeh stated that the Iranian parliament had received no official information about the ongoing negotiations.[230] He added that, although the outcome was unfavorable, they would not oppose it.[230] TheIranian Rial slightly gained and theTehran Stock Exchange rose 2.16%.[231] FormerPrince Reza Pahlavi called on the United States to take out the most vulnerable and unstable Iranian regime rather than talks.[232][233] Iranian dissidents and social media users increasingly speculated that the formerU.S. embassy in Tehran,seized in 1979 might be returned to American control.[234]Kayhan London described the talks as a major failure of the Iranian regime while the Iranian-based newspaperKayhan claimed Iran has the upper hand and called for assassinating Trump, calling nuclear disarmament impossible.[235][236][237][238][239] The talks caused division and drift among members of the ultra extremist Front of Islamic Revolution Stability party.[240] Iran charged two newspaper media executives for their coverage of the talks.[241]
Many Iranians within the country have urged Trump not to engage in negotiations with the Iranian government, but rather to support "a nationwide struggle for freedom and democracy."[242] An Iranian man posted a video in English begging Trump and Western governments not to negotiate with Iran right before he committed suicide.[243][244]
In May 2025, the national surveyRasmussen Reports reported that 57% of Americans supported an attack on Iran.[245] Former chief negotiator and Secretary of StateJohn Kerry commended Trump's effort and compared the negotiations to "Khomeini poisoned chalice".[246]White House Press SecretaryKaroline Leavitt has stated that should Iran develop nukes, there will be "all hell to pay".[247] On April 18, Secretary of StateMarco Rubio urged European countries to quickly decide on reimposing sanctions against Iran, warning that Iran is violating the existing agreement and nearing the capability to develop a nuclear weapon.[248] Rubio later also said Iran can have a civilian nuclear energy program instead of a military WMD atomic weapons program.[249] Secretary of DefensePete Hegseth and national security advisorMike Waltz are reportedly divided on whether US military should attack Iran.[250] Trump told reporters he is in no rush to attack Iran and it still has a chance to "live happily without death".[251] He also said the US would lead the pack to possibly attack Iran and that only two alternatives there are bombing them viciously or nicely, that he is still undecided.[252][253][254]
Former special representative for IranElliott Abrams argued that Trump does not seek war. However, should the talks fail, Iran's nuclear program should be destroyed by Israel and/or the US.[255] Political commentatorTucker Carlson argued this to be the worst time for US military intervention in Iran.[256] It was reported that Witkoff and Kushner told Trump that it will be "difficult, if not impossible" to reach a deal with Iran.[257][258]
Global gold prices grew given the reports of high chances of war.[259][260] Initially oilfutures prices dropped 1.4%.[261]Saudi Arabia commended negotiations to restrain Iran more.[262] Israel supported deweaponization of Iranian atomic energy establishments following a "Libya model" like that ofthe disarmament of Libya.[263] Trump revealed Israel would lead a military attack on Iran if it failed to abandon its nuclear weapons program.[264]Al Monitor reported that China has also come to support the Iranian regime through strengthened relations.[265][266]
^Examiner, Melissa Quinn Politics Reporter Melissa Quinn is a politics reporter for CBSNews com She has written for outlets including the Washington; Signal, Daily; politics, Alexandria Times Melissa covers U. S.; Court, with a focus on the Supreme; Quinn, federal courts Read Full Bio Melissa; Digital, Kathryn Watson Politics Reporter Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News; Washington, based in; Watson, D. C. Read Full Bio Kathryn (June 13, 2025)."Trump urges Iran to "make a deal, before there is nothing left" after Israeli strikes on nuclear sites - CBS News".www.cbsnews.com. RetrievedJune 18, 2025.
^Freilich, Charles David (2018).Israeli national security: a new strategy for an era of change. New York: Oxford university press. pp. 83–85.ISBN978-0-19-060293-2.
^Nader, Alireza (2013), "Nuclear Iran and Terrorism",Iran After the Bomb, How Would a Nuclear-Armed Tehran Behave?, RAND Corporation, pp. 25–30,JSTOR10.7249/j.ctt5hhtg2.10
^"اهمیت روابط چین و ایران از نگاه ولایتی" [The importance of China-Iran relations from Velayati's perspective].Mehr News Agency (in Persian). April 9, 2025. RetrievedApril 11, 2025.
Al Alam Palace inMuscat,Oman
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