Negotiations on Uranium Enrichment Begin in Oman Amid Cautious Optimism from Trump
Muscat, Oman — Iran and the United States have embarked on a third round of negotiations aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear activities, with a particular focus on uranium enrichment. The talks began on Saturday, confirmed by Iranian state television, although details from both Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff remain undisclosed.
The discussions seek to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from stringent U.S. economic sanctions that have burdened the Iranian economy for years. President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism about the outcomes, stating aboard Air Force One, “The Iran situation is coming out very well… I think we are going to have a deal.” He emphasized the importance of a diplomatic resolution over military options, although he warned that such options remain viable should negotiations fail.
Iran, grappling with economic distress, has signaled its desire for sanctions relief. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei noted that discussions would not include Iran’s defense and missile programs, stating that “the country’s missiles are not on the agenda.”
These negotiations follow a productive second round of talks in Rome, and tensions have escalated since Trump exited the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018. Iran has since ramped up its uranium enrichment, now up to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels. While Western nations, including the U.S., accuse Iran of intending to develop nuclear weapons, Tehran insists its efforts are for peaceful purposes.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that any prospective deal would require Iran to cease enriching uranium entirely, a demand Tehran deems a “red line” that cannot be compromised. The outcome of these negotiations remains critical, as both parties navigate a complex landscape of diplomacy and regional security.
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