President Trump’s claim of direct talks with Iran clashes with Tehran’s denial, as both sides edge into high-stakes diplomacy that could avert—or ignite—conflict.
At a Glance
- Indirect Iran-U.S. nuclear talks begin in Oman, mediated by Omani officials.
- Trump claims direct negotiations, but Tehran denies any shift from indirect methods.
- Iran’s economy shows signs of hope, while the U.S. hints at possible military action.
- Talks follow Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
- Regional powers, including Israel and Russia, weigh in on outcomes.
Indirect Talks Underway Despite Trump’s Claims
Amid rising international tensions, Iran and the United States have begun a new round of indirect negotiations in Oman focused on Tehran’s nuclear program. Despite President Trump’s assertion that these are direct talks, Iranian officials maintain that all communication remains mediated by Oman. “For the time being, indirect is our preference,” confirmed Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, Abbas Araghchi, as quoted by PBS.
Trump’s statement—”We have a very big meeting, and we’re dealing with them directly”—delivered during a rally, contradicts Iran’s public stance and underscores the messaging disconnect as diplomacy cautiously resumes.
A Shaky History and New Stakes
These latest talks come years after Trump’s decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear agreement, which had provided Iran with sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on uranium enrichment. That exit deepened Iran’s economic woes and triggered an aggressive ramp-up of its nuclear activities—some now nearing weapons-grade levels.
The renewed dialogue has already had tangible effects. Reports suggest a surge in the Tehran Stock Exchange, signaling cautious optimism about sanctions relief. At the same time, Trump’s rhetoric remains combative. “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he warned, “and if the talks aren’t successful, I actually think it will be a very bad day for Iran.”
Watchdogs and Allies React
Watch coverage of Trump’s diplomatic gamble and Iran’s guarded response.
While the Biden administration and European leaders have not officially commented, Moscow and Beijing have expressed support for diplomacy. Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized their backing for “settling the issue by political and diplomatic means.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting Washington ahead of the Saturday meeting, reiterated a shared commitment with the U.S. to prevent Iran from going nuclear. “We’re both united in the goal,” Netanyahu said, “that Iran does not ever get nuclear weapons, that it can be done diplomatically.”
Military Signals and Domestic Pushback
Simultaneously, military posturing escalates. The Pentagon has extended the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman to the Middle East, while U.S. forces continue to strike Iran-linked Houthis in Yemen—adding tension to an already fragile situation.
Trump’s warnings have stirred backlash from within conservative circles. Fox News host Tucker Carlson publicly opposed any military escalation, stating, “Thousands of Americans would die. We’d lose the war that follows. Nothing would be more destructive to our country.”
With a pivotal Saturday meeting looming and narratives diverging sharply on both sides, the world watches to see whether these negotiations lead to de-escalation—or yet another geopolitical flashpoint.
