MUSCAT/DUBAI, Feb 6 – Iran and the United States moved closer on Friday to launching indirect negotiations in Oman aimed at easing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme, but early disputes over the scope of the talks threatened to slow progress and revive fears of another regional crisis.
An Iranian official said the talks had not formally begun, though Tehran’s positions were already passed to Washington through Omani mediators. The official said indirect discussions could start after a meeting between Oman’s foreign minister and the top U.S. negotiator.
Previous Iran-U.S. contacts have relied on shuttle diplomacy. While both sides say they are ready to pursue diplomacy, Washington wants the talks to go beyond nuclear issues, including Iran’s ballistic missiles, support for regional armed groups and domestic policies. Iran has rejected that.
A diplomatic source warned that any involvement by U.S. Central Command or regional military figures could undermine the process. Tehran wants Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to focus solely on nuclear matters in Muscat. Sources said Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, who previously helped broker Gaza ceasefire efforts, is also expected to take part.
Iran’s leadership remains uneasy about Trump’s threats of military action, especially after a buildup of U.S. naval forces near Iranian waters. In June, U.S. strikes hit Iranian nuclear-linked sites during the final phase of an Israeli air campaign. Trump has warned that failure to reach a deal could lead to “bad things,” increasing pressure on Tehran. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that diplomacy was not Washington’s only option.
Western powers fear that a collapse in talks could trigger another confrontation between Iran and the United States, potentially spilling across the Gulf. Iran has warned neighbouring states that are hosting U.S. bases that they could be targeted if they are involved in any attack.
Israel has compared Iran’s missile stockpile to its nuclear ambitions, calling both existential threats. Iran’s regional influence has also weakened with allied groups badly damaged since the Gaza war began in 2023 and political changes happened in Syria. Diplomats said that any breakthrough in Oman is likely to be fragile and with major hurdles still ahead.