US & Iran begin nuclear talks days after Donald Trump threatened bombing
In a sudden turn of events, Iran and the United States have begun indirect talks in Oman, with Iran confirming the development. This comes just days after US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran if it didn’t arrive at a deal on its nuclear program.
According to reports, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will represent both sides in the talks. However, they will not be in the same room, instead, they will exchange messages through an Omani minister.
The talks are taking place under the shadow of regional conflict, with tensions between Iran and the US having escalated in recent months. The US has imposed strict sanctions on Iran, which has retaliated by increasing its uranium enrichment activities.
The decision to begin talks comes after a tense period in which Trump threatened to bomb Iran if it didn’t agree to a deal on its nuclear program. In an interview with Time magazine, Trump said that he would “bomb the hell out of them” if Iran didn’t come to the negotiating table.
Iran has consistently denied any plans to develop nuclear weapons, claiming that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. However, the international community has expressed concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, which it sees as a potential threat to regional security.
The talks in Oman are seen as a significant development in the ongoing standoff between Iran and the US. The indirect nature of the talks suggests that both sides are willing to engage in dialogue, despite their differences.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the talks on Twitter, saying that the country was “ready for talks” and that it would “never abandon its rights”. He also praised Oman for hosting the talks, saying that the country was a “model of hospitality and diplomacy”.
The Omani government has not commented on the talks, but sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that the talks are taking place. The US State Department has also issued a statement, saying that the US was “engaged in diplomatic efforts” with Iran, but that it would not “negotiate away” its national security.
The talks are seen as a significant development in the ongoing crisis between Iran and the US. The two countries have been at odds over Iran’s nuclear program for years, with the US imposing strict sanctions on the country in 2018.
In recent months, tensions have escalated, with the US launching a military strike against Iran in January after Iran shot down a US drone. The attack was called off at the last minute, but it highlighted the risk of conflict between the two countries.
The talks in Oman are seen as a way to reduce tensions and find a peaceful solution to the crisis. However, many experts are skeptical about the chances of success, given the deep-seated mistrust between the two countries.
“The US and Iran have a long history of mistrust and hostility,” said Dr. Ali Vaez, the International Crisis Group’s Iran project director. “It will be very difficult for them to find common ground, especially given the current political climate in the US.”
Despite the challenges, the talks are seen as a positive development by many experts. “The fact that the US and Iran are talking is a good sign,” said Dr. Vaez. “It shows that they are willing to engage in diplomacy, despite their differences.”
As the talks continue, many are watching closely to see if the US and Iran can find a way to resolve their differences peacefully. The stakes are high, but the potential reward is significant – a reduced risk of conflict and a more stable region.
