Muscat (Eurotoday) – On Sunday, senior negotiators from Iran and the United States resumed talks to address ongoing disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program, according to Iranian state media. The renewed dialogue comes as Washington adopts a firmer stance ahead of former President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to key Middle Eastern allies.
Can the U.S. and Iran overcome deep nuclear rifts?
Despite mutual claims of favoring diplomatic solutions, Tehran and Washington remain at odds on several critical issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. These sticking points must be resolved if both sides are to reach a new agreement and avoid escalating military tensions. Trump is expected to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates between May 13 and 16.
The fourth round of nuclear discussions is being held in Muscat, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff leading their respective delegations. Omani mediators are facilitating the renewed dialogue. However, Iran has criticized what it sees as Washington’s rigid public position, warning it could derail progress.
Before his departure, Araqchi told Iranian state television:
“Iran has well-known positions based on clear principles… We hope to reach a decisive stance in Sunday’s meeting.”
He also mentioned that Iran’s technical team was already in Oman and available for consultations if necessary.
Witkoff reiterated Washington’s conditions:
“No enrichment. That entails dismantlement, no weaponization.”
He emphasized that the U.S. expects Iran to fully dismantle nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Witkoff added,
“If they are not productive on Sunday, then they won’t continue, and we’ll need to pursue alternative options.”
Will Iran abandon enrichment under U.S. pressure?
Responding to Witkoff’s statements, Araqchi made it clear on Saturday that Iran would not forgo its “nuclear rights,” specifically its uranium enrichment program.
According to Iranian officials, Tehran is open to discussing limits on its nuclear activity in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. However, calls for halting enrichment or surrendering its stockpile of enriched uranium were described as “red lines” by Iranian negotiators—terms that are non-negotiable.
Reuters cited a senior Iranian official close to the negotiation team as saying that the U.S. demand for “zero enrichment and dismantling Iran’s nuclear sites would not help in progressing the negotiations.” The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, added, “What the U.S. says publicly differs from what is said in negotiations.”
Sunday’s meeting was initially scheduled for May 3 in Rome but was postponed for what Oman described as “logistical reasons.” In addition, Iran has firmly refused to discuss its ballistic missile program and is demanding assurances that any agreement reached will be upheld—especially after Trump’s previous withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
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