On April 12, 2025, Iran and the United States commenced indirect high-level talks in Muscat, Oman, aiming to address Tehran’s advancing nuclear program amidst escalating regional tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff led their respective delegations, with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi mediating the discussions. The negotiations are being conducted indirectly, with each delegation in separate rooms and messages exchanged through the Omani mediator.
The talks occur against a backdrop of heightened instability in the Middle East, including conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, and the recent overthrow of Syria’s government. President Donald Trump has threatened military action if no agreement is reached, while Iran has warned neighboring countries hosting U.S. bases of “severe consequences” should they be involved in any U.S. military action against Iran.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has granted Araqchi full authority for the negotiations but has ruled out discussions on Iran’s ballistic missile program. Both sides have agreed to reconvene next week, with the potential for progress contingent upon mutual goodwill and a balanced approach to the talks.