US and Iran Hold Direct Talks in Oman in Bid to Avert Renewed Conflict

The meeting comes as both sides face mounting pressure to de-escalate, with regional stability hanging in the balance and expectations for a comprehensive agreement remaining low.

First Direct Talks Since the 2025 War

The talks in Oman represent the first direct engagement between Washington and Tehran since the June 2025 war, which sharply escalated tensions and brought the two countries to the brink of a wider regional conflict. Officials on both sides have described the meeting as an attempt to halt further escalation rather than resolve all outstanding disputes.

Diplomatic sources say the talks are being held as a last effort to prevent renewed hostilities, amid continued military posturing and heightened security concerns across the region.

US Demands: Nuclear Program, Missiles, and Proxies

Washington is entering the talks with a broad set of demands. US officials are pressing Iran to fully end its nuclear program, curb the range and development of its ballistic missiles, and stop supporting regional proxy forces.

American officials argue that progress on the nuclear file alone would be insufficient without addressing what they describe as Iran’s destabilizing role across the Middle East.

Iran’s Position: Limited Concessions on Nuclear Issue

Iran, meanwhile, is signaling that any flexibility will be limited to the nuclear sphere. Iranian officials have indicated that Tehran may be willing to accept capped uranium enrichment at around 3 percent and commit to a long-term freeze of its nuclear activities.

Such steps, however, would be contingent on substantial sanctions relief. Tehran has made clear that its missile program is non-negotiable and views its regional alliances as core elements of its national security strategy.

Low Expectations Beyond the Nuclear File

Diplomatic sources say prospects for progress beyond the nuclear issue remain bleak. Iran’s missile capabilities are seen in Tehran as a red line, while US officials insist that missiles and regional activities must eventually be addressed.

As a result, expectations for a comprehensive agreement are low. Analysts say the most realistic outcome of the Oman talks is a carefully worded, fragile statement designed to keep negotiations alive and reduce the immediate risk of military confrontation.

Fragile Diplomacy to Prevent Escalation

With both sides wary of another conflict, the talks are widely viewed as a holding exercise rather than a decisive breakthrough. Any agreement is likely to focus on sustaining dialogue and avoiding miscalculation, rather than resolving the deep-rooted disputes that have defined US-Iran relations for decades.

International observers are watching closely to see whether even this limited diplomatic objective can be achieved.