Iran and US to Resume Key Nuclear Talks in Oman Amid Rising Tensions

Dubai, June 12 (AP) - Iran and the United States are set to engage in a sixth round of negotiations over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program this Sunday in Oman, according to an announcement made by the sultanate's Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, on Thursday. Tensions in the region have heightened in recent days.

The announcement by Oman’s Foreign Minister follows a move by the US to reduce the number of non-essential staff and their families in the Middle East, due to potential regional unrest. Warnings have also been issued about potential threats to ships navigating regional waters.

Al-Busaidi shared this development on the social platform X, stating, “I am pleased to confirm the 6th round of Iran-US talks will be held in Muscat this Sunday the 15th.” While Iran had been suggesting the likelihood of talks, this is the first confirmation from Oman, the acting mediator.

There has yet to be an immediate response from the US. A potential accord is among several diplomatic initiatives currently prioritized by US President Donald Trump and his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

An agreement could potentially lead to the lifting of substantial US economic sanctions on Iran, contingent upon Iran significantly limiting or halting its uranium enrichment activities. Failure to reach a deal, however, could escalate tensions further in the Middle East, already volatile due to the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The continued decline of Iran's economy could exacerbate the unrest at home. The possibility of airstrikes from Israel or the US targeting Iranian nuclear sites remains, and Tehran might decide to cease cooperating with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, spurring a move towards developing a nuclear weapon.

Previous negotiations between Iran and the US have taken place in Muscat and Rome. (AP) RD RD

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