Diplomatic Push for New Nuclear Deal: U.S.–Iran Talks Mediated by Oman
Initial talks were held, another meeting is expected in Rome, and Iran will discuss developments with Russia
U.S Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in Muscat, Oman, April 12, 2025. Oman News Agency/ Handout via REUTERS
Intensive diplomatic efforts are currently underway in an attempt to reach a new nuclear agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
The White House described the first meeting between representatives of the two countries—which took place in Oman with its mediation—as “a first step toward achieving a mutually positive outcome,” while emphasizing the great complexity of the issues at hand.
The meeting was made possible thanks to a direct channel between the U.S. special envoy, Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi. A second meeting is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday in Rome.
According to a Reuters report, between the two meetings, Iran’s foreign minister is expected to travel to Moscow this week to “discuss developments in the Middle East.” Russia, which was a partner in the original 2015 nuclear agreement, continues to support Tehran’s right to maintain a civilian nuclear program.
Parallel to the diplomatic efforts, Axios reports that President Trump has reiterated that Iran must agree to a deal ensuring it cannot obtain nuclear weapons—otherwise, it will face military action that could lead to war. This statement underscores the U.S. pressure on Iran to reach a swift agreement and avoid regional military escalation.
Officials in both Washington and Tehran noted that the primary goal of the first meeting in Oman was to assess the seriousness of the other side's intentions. A senior U.S. administration official even hinted that Trump may be open to certain compromises. The Iranian foreign minister reported on national television that four pieces of information were exchanged during the meeting via Omani mediation, and that Iran's goal is to establish a timeline toward a nuclear agreement.
The U.S. envoy, Steve Witkoff, conveyed a clear message to the Iranians stating he had been instructed by President Trump to resolve the disputes between the parties through dialogue and diplomacy, “if that is possible.” This statement reflects the U.S.’s desire to exhaust the diplomatic path—but also the existing threat of military action if diplomatic efforts fail to deliver results.
