The United States and Iran have resumed indirect discussions after a gap of several months, with talks held in Oman marking the first formal engagement since June 2025. The renewed diplomatic contact comes against a tense backdrop, following a brief but intense twelve-day conflict between Israel and Iran, and amid heightened US military activity in the region. While the talks have raised cautious expectations of de-escalation, early signals suggest that deep differences remain unresolved.

A senior Iranian official has made it clear that Tehran does not see the renewed dialogue as a reason to revisit its core nuclear position. Iran, the official said, remains firmly committed to continuing uranium enrichment, describing it as a sovereign right and a strategic necessity. The statement underscores Tehran’s belief that external pressure, including the presence of US forces, will not alter its long-term nuclear calculations.

Iran’s Nuclear Position Remains Firm

Iran’s leadership has repeatedly framed uranium enrichment as central to its national interests, both politically and technologically. The latest remarks reinforce that stance, indicating little appetite for compromise at this stage of the talks. According to the senior official, Iran does not intend to suspend or roll back enrichment activities, regardless of parallel diplomatic engagement.

This position reflects lingering mistrust towards the United States, shaped by years of sanctions, failed agreements, and abrupt policy reversals. Iranian officials argue that past negotiations have yielded limited economic relief, making Tehran wary of offering concessions without concrete guarantees. As a result, Iran appears focused on preserving leverage rather than signalling flexibility early in the process.

Trust Deficit Shapes The Negotiations

A lack of trust continues to cast a long shadow over the discussions. Iranian officials have openly acknowledged that confidence between Tehran and Washington remains low, complicating efforts to move beyond exploratory talks. This distrust is rooted in the collapse of earlier diplomatic frameworks and ongoing disputes over compliance and enforcement.

For Iran, engagement does not equate to accommodation. The emphasis, officials say, is on testing Washington’s intentions rather than reshaping Iran’s own policies. The cautious tone suggests that any progress is likely to be incremental, with both sides prioritising risk management over ambitious breakthroughs.

Military Presence And Regional Calculations

The US military presence in the region has added another layer of complexity to the talks. Iran has closely monitored troop movements and naval deployments, viewing them through the lens of regional security and deterrence. Iranian leaders have framed the build-up as a pressure tactic, one that reinforces their resolve rather than weakens it.

At the same time, Oman’s role as host and mediator has been widely noted. The Oman has a long history of quietly facilitating dialogue between adversaries, offering a neutral venue for sensitive discussions. Diplomats see Muscat’s involvement as crucial in keeping communication channels open, even as substantive disagreements persist.

As the talks continue, the international community is watching closely. The outcome will not only shape the future of relations between the Iran and the United States, but could also influence regional stability and global non-proliferation efforts. For now, Iran’s message is unambiguous: diplomacy may resume, but uranium enrichment remains off the table.

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