Iran and US Begin Fourth Round of Nuclear Talks in Oman Ahead of Trump’s Mideast Visit

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Iran and the United States launched the fourth round of nuclear negotiations on Sunday in Muscat, Oman, amid heightened regional tensions and just days before former US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the Middle East.

The latest round of talks is again being facilitated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. US officials confirmed the continuation of both direct and indirect talks, with al-Busaidi expected to mediate communication between Tehran and Washington, as done in prior rounds in Muscat and Rome.

Negotiations aim to curb Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities in return for easing the heavy economic sanctions imposed by the US. President Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if a new agreement is not reached. Meanwhile, Israeli leaders have issued their own warnings of potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites if perceived threats escalate further, especially amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Iranian state media confirmed the start of talks, though the US side has yet to issue an official comment. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff are leading the negotiations. While both have met face-to-face, most discussions remain indirect, with messages relayed through Omani mediation.

Tensions over uranium enrichment remain central to the negotiations. Witkoff declared in a recent interview that “no enrichment” would be acceptable under any deal, calling for full dismantlement of enrichment facilities like Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.

The timeline for reaching a resolution appears tight. Iranian outlets reported that Trump issued a two-month deadline in a letter sent in March via a UAE diplomat, aligning the deadline with his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE starting Monday.