Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that nuclear negotiations with the United States were scheduled to take place in Oman on Friday, countering earlier reports that the process was close to collapse. He reached Oman to participate in talks with the US officials today.
In a post on X, Araghchi said the talks would begin around 10 am in Muscat. He thanked Oman for facilitating the meeting and making the necessary arrangements. A US official separately confirmed that the negotiations would be held in the Omani capital.
The announcement signalled renewed diplomatic momentum despite heightened rhetoric and military posturing in the region.
Washington escalates pressure amid diplomacy
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be “very worried” as Washington increases its military presence in the Middle East.
Speaking in an interview with NBC News, Trump said Iran remained engaged in negotiations but faced serious consequences if it pursued further nuclear development. He confirmed that the United States had deployed an aircraft carrier to the region, underscoring its readiness to respond militarily.
Trump has not ruled out additional strikes following US-Israel attacks on Iranian nuclear and civilian facilities during the 12-day conflict in June. He said Washington was closely monitoring Tehran’s activities after those operations.
Claims of new nuclear site raise tensions
Furthermore, Trump alleged that Iran had considered developing a new nuclear site after the US strikes. He said American intelligence discovered the plan and warned Tehran against proceeding.
“They were thinking about starting a new site in a different part of the country,” Trump said, adding that the United States would respond forcefully if Iran moved ahead.
The combination of renewed talks and escalating warnings highlights the fragile balance between diplomacy and confrontation as both sides prepare for negotiations in Muscat.
