DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Oman has announced that Iran and the United States plan to engage in a sixth round of negotiations concerning Tehran’s quickly advancing nuclear program this Sunday. This development was shared by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, amidst heightened regional tensions recently observed in the Middle East.
Addressing the media on Thursday, al-Busaidi revealed that these talks are scheduled to occur in Oman, specifically in Muscat. The declaration comes at a time when the U.S. is reducing the number of non-essential staff members in the Middle East, alongside their family members, due to rising unrest concerns. The situation has also prompted warnings about potential threats to ships navigating regional waters.
Using the social platform X, al-Busaidi expressed, “I am pleased to confirm the 6th round of Iran US talks will be held in Muscat this Sunday the 15th.” Although Iran had mentioned the upcoming talks for several days, Oman, serving as the mediator, is now officially confirming the meeting.
The United States has not yet commented on this development. The successful conclusion of these negotiations remains one of the key diplomatic tasks for U.S. President Donald Trump, working closely with his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. A potential agreement might lead the U.S. to ease some of the substantial economic sanctions on Iran in return for significant limitations or cessation of its uranium enrichment activities.
If the negotiating parties fail to reach a consensus, it could further intensify the tensions in the Middle East, which is already experiencing the pressures of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Iran’s struggling economy might face worsening conditions, which could exacerbate domestic unrest. Options such as U.S. or Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites might also be on the table, and Iran could decide to completely discontinue its cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear supervisory agency and expedite its journey towards nuclear armament.
This would not be the first time Iran and the U.S. have engaged in discussions in Muscat, as prior talks have also taken place in the Omani capital as well as in Rome.