Iran and US Resume Indirect Nuclear Talks Through Oman, Focus Remains on Sanctions Relief

In a rare development, Iran and the United States have resumed indirect nuclear talks after a long freeze, signaling a potential thaw in one of the world’s most strained diplomatic relationships. The discussions, mediated by Oman, are being described by both sides as “constructive” and focused strictly on two issues: Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of US-imposed economic sanctions.

The meeting, which took place last Saturday in Muscat, marked the highest-level contact between the two countries since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff led the discussions, which included a brief face-to-face exchange—an unusual moment in otherwise indirect negotiations.

Iran’s foreign ministry clarified that these negotiations will remain indirect and will not touch upon any non-nuclear topics. “We will not have any talks with the American side on any other issue,” said spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a televised interview, underscoring Tehran’s firm stance.

This position comes as some observers had expected the US to widen the scope of talks to include Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for militant groups across the region. But Tehran has made it clear: only nuclear and sanction-related matters are on the table.

The backdrop to these talks is a tense and complex geopolitical landscape. Iran, feeling the economic pressure of crippling sanctions and facing regional strain due to Israel’s military actions against its allies in Lebanon and Gaza, appears to be seeking relief through diplomacy—without conceding on other fronts.

Interestingly, the talks come after former US President Donald Trump, now a prominent political figure again, sent a message to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The letter reportedly offered negotiations while warning of possible military consequences should Iran refuse. Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and his “maximum pressure” strategy of renewed sanctions had derailed years of diplomacy, causing Iran to gradually step back from its own commitments under the agreement.

Despite that rocky history, this latest round of talks seems to be happening in a more measured environment. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi described the meeting as taking place in a “friendly atmosphere,” and both countries are set to return to the negotiating table on April 19.

The talks have stirred reactions across Iran’s media landscape. Conservative outlets praised the US for not pushing non-nuclear topics, while reformist newspapers called the dialogue a “decisive turning point.” Even traditionally skeptical voices acknowledged the value of avoiding threats of dismantling Iran’s nuclear program or launching military attacks.

There are some immediate signs that markets are responding positively. Iran’s national currency, the rial, strengthened noticeably after the news broke—dropping from over one million rials to around 850,000 per US dollar, suggesting that traders are cautiously optimistic about the potential easing of sanctions.

From a broader perspective, these talks may serve as a key moment for both nations. For Iran, it’s a chance to revive its economy while standing firm on its regional policies. For the US, it’s an opportunity to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions without expanding military involvement in the Middle East.

While skepticism lingers—especially given Trump’s unpredictable role and the absence of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries since 1979—this new phase of indirect negotiations might just offer a fragile, yet significant, opening for progress.