US Confirms Nuclear Talks with Iran to Proceed Despite Strikes
The United States has confirmed that it still plans to go ahead with its nuclear talks with Iran in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday, despite the escalation caused by recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear installations. This reaffirmation of commitment to diplomacy comes as the Middle East faces a dangerous tipping point.
US Reaffirms Nuclear Dialogue
A senior US official told reporters that Washington “still intends to have talks Sunday” with Iranian representatives in Oman, highlighting the Biden administration’s continued reliance on diplomacy even amid rising regional tensions. The planned negotiations in Muscat are part of ongoing efforts to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions and de-escalate broader regional hostilities.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to represent the US side. Although the channels of communication may include indirect messaging via intermediaries, the Muscat talks are seen as a crucial attempt to revive the diplomatic process.
Israeli Strikes Raise Tensions
The talks are set to occur just days after Israel launched multiple waves of airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in Natanz and Tehran. The strikes reportedly killed senior Iranian military commanders and damaged high-value targets, according to Iranian state media. However, US officials were quick to clarify that “this was not our operation”, distancing Washington from direct involvement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that American forces were not part of the Israeli operation and reiterated the administration’s focus on preventing further escalation.
Risk to Regional Stability
The renewed push for diplomacy comes amid heightened concerns that the Israel-Iran conflict could spiral into a larger regional war. Iran, in response to the Israeli strikes, has increased its military readiness and announced the development of a new underground uranium enrichment site.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently passed a resolution censuring Iran for non-compliance, which further complicates the diplomatic landscape. Despite these developments, the US maintains that dialogue remains the only viable path to prevent nuclear proliferation in the region.
Muscat Talks: A Fragile Opening
The Oman-hosted talks represent one of the few remaining channels of communication between Iran and the US. Mediated by Omani officials, the discussions are expected to cover a framework for uranium enrichment caps, inspection mechanisms, and the easing of some sanctions if compliance is met.
While the shadow of war looms large, the US continues to prioritize diplomacy. Whether Iran will reciprocate meaningfully remains to be seen, especially in the wake of military losses and nationalist fervor triggered by Israel’s recent actions.
As both sides prepare for the Muscat round, the world watches closely, knowing the stakes are far higher than previous negotiation cycles.
