Diplomatic sources confirmed that the United States and Iran will hold critical negotiations in Muscat, Oman, this Friday. The shift in venue from Istanbul to Oman came at Tehran’s request, specifically to narrow the agenda to its nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. Iran has firmly rejected U.S. efforts to include its ballistic missile program in the discussions, labeling it a “red line” for national sovereignty.
NEW: Direct talks not currently on agenda as Iran-US set to resume negotiations in Oman. Qatari PM may join, no word yet on other regional officials. Also potentially joining: Jared Kushner.
Apart from differences over substance, concern that indirect talks won’t cut it. pic.twitter.com/1bCWoymsiY
— Mohammad Ali Shabani (@mashabani) February 4, 2026
The talks come at a moment of extreme military friction. On Tuesday, a U.S. F-35C fighter jet launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that aggressively approached the carrier group. Simultaneously, Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) boats reportedly harassed a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these provocations, President Donald Trump stated from the White House, “We are negotiating with them right now,” emphasizing that while he is open to a deal, “bad things” would happen if diplomacy fails.
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While regional powers like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were initially expected to attend, Tehran has pushed for a strictly bilateral or indirect format with Washington to prevent the talks from becoming a “political display.” The priority remains preventing a wider conflict, especially following the U.S. “Midnight Hammer” strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025.
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