Iran, US begin negotiations over Tehran’s advancing nuclear program

Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. commenced in Oman on Saturday to address Tehran’s nuclear program. The talks, which are expected to focus on Iran’s uranium enrichment, began in Muscat, the capital of Oman, according to Iranian state media. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff were tight-lipped about the specifics of the discussions.

Araghchi, who arrived in Oman on Friday, met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who had previously mediated talks in Muscat and Rome. The negotiations, aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of U.S. economic sanctions, are crucial in preventing further escalation of tensions.

The 2015 nuclear deal with foreign nations had placed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program until President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018. This move led to a period of heightened conflict and instability in the region. Trump has since expressed his desire for a new nuclear deal but has not ruled out the possibility of military action if negotiations fail.

In a statement aboard Air Force One en route to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral, Trump expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating, “The Iran situation is coming out very well. We’ve had a lot of talks with them, and I think we’re going to have a deal. I’d much rather have a deal than the other alternative. That would be good for humanity.”

As the talks progress, the international community remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict between Iran and the U.S. The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global security.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.