Tensions and hopes collide as America and Iran launch nuclear discussions in Oman this Friday. White House officials confirmed President Donald Trump’s diplomatic push to eradicate Iran’s nuclear threat entirely, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner leading the U.S. delegation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister’s late Thursday arrival in the Gulf nation paves the way for these rare face-to-face exchanges. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt detailed the team’s travel plans, attributing the Oman choice to broader strategic imperatives without elaborating.
Trump’s position is non-negotiable: zero nuclear enrichment for Iran. Leavitt echoed this, noting the President’s explicit calls for a deal while wielding the shadow of America’s supreme military power. ‘Diplomacy is always the first choice, but options abound,’ she remarked.
Oman’s role as a trusted intermediary is crucial, having facilitated clandestine U.S.-Iran contacts for years amid stalled formal talks. Disputes center on atomic restrictions, economic penalties, and Gulf stability. Post-talks, Trump will debrief with his team, eyes fixed on tangible progress.
Leavitt avoided specifics on agendas or deadlines, prioritizing a narrative of resolute diplomacy. This engagement reflects ongoing U.S.-Iran sparring through proxies and third parties, potentially marking a turning point or merely another chapter in enduring rivalry.