Despite heightened tensions, Iran and the United States have agreed to resume nuclear talks later this week in Muscat, Oman. Both sides confirmed on Wednesday that the long-anticipated meeting will take place, ending speculation that disagreements over venue and agenda might derail the effort.
The discussions come at a volatile moment for Iran, which is experiencing its largest anti-government protests since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Tehran’s forceful response to the demonstrations has raised fears of renewed military confrontation with Washington.
Talks Set for Friday in Muscat
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on X that the meeting has been scheduled for Friday, thanking the Omani government for facilitating the diplomatic arrangements. A White House official also confirmed the talks to AFP.
Earlier reports suggested that Turkey was being considered as an alternative venue. However, according to Axios, the United States nearly withdrew after Iran opposed both changing the location and adding ballistic missile issues to the agenda.
Trump Issues Warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader
Ahead of the talks, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In an interview with NBC News, Trump said Khamenei “should be very worried” given recent developments.
Trump claimed that after Israel’s strike on an Iranian nuclear facility last June, Tehran began planning a new nuclear site elsewhere in the country. “We found out,” Trump said. “And I told them, if you proceed with that, very bad things will happen.”
The U.S. has already deployed an aircraft carrier, which Trump referred to as an “armada,” to the region. On Tuesday, one of its fighter jets reportedly shot down an Iranian drone. Tehran, in turn, has threatened to target U.S. assets if attacked.
Washington Wants Missiles on the Agenda
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington is prepared for talks but insisted they must address Iran’s missile capabilities, support for armed groups in the region, and the government’s treatment of protesters.
Rubio added that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff had been prepared to meet Iranian officials in Turkey, but “mixed signals” from Tehran had created uncertainty.
Iran has long rejected the inclusion of its ballistic missile program in negotiations, arguing that the missiles—capable of reaching Israel—are essential for national defense.
Regional and Domestic Pressures on Iran
Iran is facing intensified pressure following months of domestic unrest and last year’s Israeli airstrikes. The weakening of Lebanese Hezbollah and the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad—two of Tehran’s key regional allies—have further strained Iran’s strategic position.
Friday’s talks in Muscat are seen as a critical attempt to defuse tensions, though major disagreements remain unresolved.