American and Iranian officials engaged in their first direct talks on Saturday in Oman, marking a significant step following years of escalating tensions and stalled diplomacy. This dialogue is set to continue next weekend, as confirmed by a statement from the White House.
The meeting, featuring U.S. Special Envoy Steven Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, represented the first in-person interaction since President Donald Trump assumed office with Iran’s nuclear program expansion ongoing.
The White House characterized the discussions as “very positive and constructive,” expressing gratitude towards the Sultanate of Oman for facilitating this initiative.
Witkoff, along with U.S. Ambassador to Oman Ana Escrogima, communicated to Araghchi that Trump had personally directed him to pursue a diplomatic resolution to their differences, if feasible.
DELEGATES FROM IRAN, US HOLDING TALKS IN OMAN AMID ONGOING TENSIONS: WHAT TO KNOW
The discussions took place just outside Oman’s capital, Muscat, lasting over two hours, with Omani Foreign Minister Said Badr hosting the meeting.
Iranian state television later reported that the parties exchanged several messages, alongside a brief, direct conversation between the American and Iranian diplomats.
Military pressure is seen as a key factor compelling Iran to engage in negotiations. Rebecca Grant, a senior fellow at the Lexington Institute, noted during the “Fox Report” on Saturday that the U.S. has signaled its seriousness by deploying powerful military assets to the region.
TRUMP DEMANDS DO-OR-DIE NUCLEAR TALKS WITH IRAN. WHO HAS THE LEVERAGE?
“All options are not only on the table; they’re deployed in the Middle East,” Grant stated. “Between four and six B-2 stealth bombers are stationed in Diego Garcia, along with two aircraft carriers, which has significantly captured Iran’s attention.”
Grant observed that Iran now faces a decisive moment.
“Iran must either engage in talks or risk military action against their nuclear facilities,” she explained.
Tensions have escalated since 2018 when Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear agreement.
This accord imposed stringent limits on Iran’s nuclear activities. Since then, Iran has been enriching uranium at alarming levels, with the latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report indicating enrichment to 60% purity, just shy of weapons-grade, and a stockpile exceeding 18,000 pounds. Previously, under the agreement, Iran was restricted to 3.67% purity and a significantly lower stockpile.
While U.S. intelligence agencies do not currently believe Iran is constructing a nuclear weapon, they caution that the nation is nearing the capability to do so if it chooses.
General Jack Keane, a military analyst for Fox News, stated that Iran’s leadership now recognizes Trump’s commitment to use military force should they fail to agree on curtailing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“They have concluded that the president is serious about supporting a U.S.-backed Israeli strike against Iran to dismantle their nuclear operations,” Keane remarked.
Grant explained that the U.S. and its allies are prepared for such action if diplomatic efforts falter.
“Israel successfully neutralized many of Iran’s air defenses last year,” she said. “Currently, there are two U.S. carriers, land-based fighter jets in the area, and B-2 bombers equipped with bunker-busting munitions. This showcases the threat at play.”
She added that Iran lacks a genuine need to enrich uranium since it can procure nuclear fuel on the open market.
“It is time for Iran to negotiate,” she concluded. “I believe, perhaps due to our military pressure and Trump’s determination, they are starting to recognize this.”
Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has stated his unwillingness to engage in direct negotiations regarding the nuclear program, while also attributing blame to the United States for failing to uphold prior commitments.
“The U.S. must demonstrate its ability to build trust,” Pezeshkian remarked during a recent Cabinet discussion.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei cautioned against the repercussions of ongoing threats.
“Violence breeds violence, peace begets peace,” he stated on social media. “The U.S. has the choice to make and must be ready to face the consequences.”
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox News that no agreement is feasible unless Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions.
“We require the complete and verifiable elimination of their nuclear weapons program for any agreement to proceed,” he emphasized. “All we request is that they act as a responsible nation.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Grant highlighted that any prospective agreement must enforce rigorous terms.
“It will need to encompass genuine inspections, the relinquishment of some enriched uranium, and restrictions on ballistic missile development,” she indicated.
The next meeting between the two nations is scheduled for April 19 in Oman, according to the White House announcement.
