Iran, US conclude third round of nuclear talks in Oman

Iran and the United States have concluded a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, focused on Tehran’s advancing nuclear program and uranium enrichment activities. Mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, these discussions aimed to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the U.S. abandoned in 2018. Both delegations, led by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, expressed cautious optimism but highlighted significant disagreements, particularly regarding U.S. sanctions and Iran’s right to enrich uranium. The U.S. is pressing for Iran to halt enrichment and import nuclear materials, while Iran insists on the lifting of sanctions and defends its program as peaceful. Parallel negotiations with European powers continue, and the U.S. is urging allies to consider reimposing UN sanctions should Iran fail to comply, prompting Iranian threats to exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The outcome of these high-stakes talks could significantly impact regional and global security.