US-Iran nuclear talks begin today in Oman amid heightened diplomatic tensions
2026-02-06 - 05:36
MUSCAT – A key moment on the global diplomatic front unfolded on Friday as senior United States and Iranian officials arrived in the Omani capital, Muscat, to participate in crucial negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. The Gulf media reported that the US delegation includes President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and other senior officials. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would represent Iran at the Muscat talks. He stated that Iran is participating with full authority, aiming to reach a fair, mutually acceptable, and dignified agreement. The negotiations were originally scheduled to be held in Istanbul, Türkiye on Friday, but were later shifted to Oman at Iran’s request. Tehran has also clarified that regional partners should not be included in the talks and that discussions must remain strictly limited to nuclear-related issues. However, THE details regarding Washington’s stance on these demands have not yet been made public. Meanwhile, the White House has issued a firm message to Iran, stressing that the US president has options beyond diplomacy. The statement comes as the high-level talks are set to take place in Muscat. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, speaking at a press briefing, said President Trump’s position on Iran is clear and unequivocal. She said the president wants to determine whether a viable agreement with Iran is possible, but emphasized that the United States has the capacity to pursue alternative courses of action to protect its interests. Addressing Iran’s leadership directly, Leavitt said President Trump is the commander-in-chief of the world’s most powerful military and is fully empowered to exercise his constitutional authority if required. On the other hand, Iran’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that Tehran is engaging in the Muscat negotiations with full mandate, with the objective of reaching a fair, mutually acceptable, and dignified settlement. Iran receives Mi-28 Havoc helicopters from Russia, claims US defense website