United States agrees to shift Iran nuclear talks to Oman amid drone incident

Wednesday 04 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

United States agrees to shift Iran nuclear talks to Oman amid drone incident

The United States has consented to Iran's request to relocate nuclear negotiations from Istanbul to Oman, opting for a bilateral format in a move that signals the first direct talks between Washington and Tehran since discussions collapsed last June. This development comes as both sides grapple with escalating military tensions, including the recent downing of an Iranian drone near a U.S. aircraft carrier.

According to sources close to the talks cited by Axios journalist Barak Ravid, the Trump administration accepted the venue change while discussions continue on whether Arab and Muslim nations might join as observers. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Tuesday that the negotiations remain on schedule following a call with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The talks, set to resume Friday in Oman, will be led by Witkoff for the U.S. and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for Tehran.

Military incidents have tested this fragile diplomatic push. On Tuesday, a U.S. Navy F-35C fighter jet shot down a Shahed-139 drone that aggressively approached the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, about 800 kilometers off Iran's southern coast. U.S. Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins noted the drone persisted despite de-escalation efforts in international waters. Hours earlier, Iranian Revolutionary Guard fast boats attempted to intercept the U.S.-flagged tanker Stena Imperative in the Strait of Hormuz, ordering it to stop engines for boarding; the vessel accelerated and later received escort from the destroyer USS McFaul, per British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech.

Leavitt emphasized President Trump's preference for diplomacy first, adding that it takes two to tango. Yet stark differences persist: Iran insists on limiting talks to its nuclear program, viewing ballistic missiles and regional proxies as non-negotiable sovereignty issues. The U.S. demands zero uranium enrichment, missile curbs, and an end to proxy support. Reuters reported last week that Iranian officials see missiles as a bigger sticking point than enrichment.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian greenlit the resumption provided a threat-free environment without unreasonable demands, per his social media statement. The prior round in Oman ended in June 2025 after Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. With Trump warning of grave consequences absent a deal and a U.S. naval armada in the Gulf, Friday's Muscat meeting offers a critical yet high-stakes chance for progress.