After “difficult but useful” nuclear talks in Oman, the US and Iran agree to continue negotiations amid Trump’s threat of airstrikes and Iran’s uranium enrichment reaching near weapons-grade levels.
At a Glance
- Iran and the US concluded a fourth round of nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, with a fifth round planned
- US envoy Steve Witkoff demands dismantling of Iran’s enrichment facilities, calling it “our red line”
- Iran maintains enrichment is non-negotiable but suggests limitations might be possible
- Talks occur under a two-month deadline set by President Trump, who has threatened airstrikes
- Negotiations aim to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting US economic sanctions
High-Stakes Nuclear Negotiations Continue
The United States and Iran completed their fourth round of nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman on May 11, setting the stage for continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program. The negotiations, which lasted approximately three hours, involved both direct and indirect discussions with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi serving as mediator. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff led their respective delegations in what Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described as conversations that were challenging yet productive.
The negotiations are taking place under significant pressure, with President Trump having established a two-month deadline that coincides with his planned Middle East trip. Trump has previously threatened military action against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail, while Israel has separately warned it could strike Iranian nuclear facilities. These threats come as international inspectors report Iran has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels of 60%, far beyond the 3.67% cap established under the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump withdrew from in 2018.
— Sentinel (@SentinelTeamHQ) May 5, 2025
Fundamental Disagreements Remain
A central point of contention in the talks involves Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities. Steve Witkoff has taken a hardline position, stating that Iran must completely dismantle its enrichment infrastructure. This represents a major obstacle to progress, as Iranian officials have consistently maintained that enrichment capabilities represent a non-negotiable “red line” for Tehran, though they have indicated some willingness to discuss limitations on the scale of their operations.
“An enrichment program can never exist in the state of Iran ever again,” Witkoff told the right-wing Breitbart news site in a piece published Friday. “That’s our red line. No enrichment. That means dismantlement, it means no weaponization, and it means that Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan — those are their three enrichment facilities — have to be dismantled.”
Despite these fundamental disagreements, both sides have agreed to continue talks, suggesting some diplomatic path forward remains possible. A senior US official expressed optimism following the recent round, stating that an agreement was reached to “move forward with the talks to continue working through technical elements.” The official added, “We are encouraged by today’s outcome and look forward to our next meeting, which will happen in the near future.”
Regional and Domestic Pressures
The nuclear negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of multiple challenges for Iran, including ongoing economic difficulties resulting from US sanctions and internal social unrest over the country’s mandatory hijab law. Adding to regional tensions, a recent explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port, linked to missile fuel components, remains unexplained but has heightened concerns about potential covert actions targeting Iranian facilities.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi has played a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between the two nations. Following the fourth round, Albusaidi noted the inclusion of “useful and original ideas” in the discussions, indicating that despite persistent differences, both countries appear genuinely interested in finding a mutually acceptable solution. Oman will coordinate and announce details for the fifth round of negotiations, which is expected to take place after each side has consulted with its leadership about the recent discussions.
The Path Forward
The central goal of these negotiations remains limiting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting the crippling US economic sanctions imposed after Trump withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. While Iran maintains its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, the country’s rapid advancement in uranium enrichment has raised international alarm. Preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons capability remains a key aspect of Trump’s foreign policy, with the current talks representing perhaps the last diplomatic opportunity before more drastic measures might be considered.
Both sides face difficult choices in the coming weeks. For the US, determining how much of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure can remain while ensuring Iran cannot quickly develop nuclear weapons represents a delicate calculation. For Iran, the decision involves weighing the economic benefits of sanctions relief against national pride and security considerations tied to its nuclear program. The outcome of these negotiations will have profound implications for regional stability and the global non-proliferation regime.
