Negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear programme are set to resume on Saturday in the Omani capital Muscat, where technical experts from both sides will attempt to iron out the details of a potential agreement. The discussions aim to curb Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting economic sanctions the US has imposed on the country during nearly half a century of hostilities. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned he may order airstrikes against Iran's nuclear facilities if a deal is not achieved, while Iranian officials increasingly hint they could pursue nuclear weapons capability with their growing stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium. Neither Tehran nor Washington has explained the return to Oman, though the sultanate has historically served as a mediator. Last weekend's talks in Rome provided a neutral ground for Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. However, Rome's period of mourning following the death on Monday of Pope Francis, whose funeral will take place Saturday, and Iranian complaints about media attention in Italy may have influenced the change of venue. "As you can see, unlike the first round of talks where the presence of journalists was limited...this time in Rome, Italy, that kind of control hasn't been applied," said Iranian state television journalist Hosnieh Sadat Shobeiri. The talks in Muscat come as Iran shores up support from China and Russia. Araghchi met with officials in Moscow last week and in Beijing earlier this week. On Thursday, representatives from China, Russia and Iran met with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog. Although the IAEA did not release details, China's Xinhua news agency reported the three nations believe the IAEA has "the necessary potential and expertise" to contribute to the process, while emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions. China reaffirmed Iran's "right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy." The Trump administration has kept European powers France, Germany and the United Kingdom — co-signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal — out of its direct talks with Iran, mirroring its strategy in negotiations with Russia over the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, Araghchi suggested further discussions with the European nations, writing on X: "The ball is now in the E3's court...How we act at this critical junction is likely to define the foreseeable future." Two Iranian diplomats, Majid Takht-e Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi, will reportedly lead Tehran's technical team. The American delegation will be headed by Michael Anton, a political strategist and strong Trump supporter, although he lacks direct nuclear policy experience. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated in a recent podcast that Iran must halt uranium enrichment entirely if it wants a civil nuclear program. "If Iran wants a civil nuclear program, they can have one just like many other countries can have one, and that is they import enriched material," Rubio said. While Witkoff initially suggested Tehran could enrich uranium to 3.67%, he later aligned with Rubio's position, insisting all enrichment must stop. Iran, however, remains adamant that domestic enrichment is non-negotiable. Complicating matters further is Israel's stance. Israel, which has targeted Iranian nuclear facilities in the past, has not ruled out future strikes. Israeli forces this week conducted drills preparing for possible Iranian missile attacks, according to broadcaster KAN. "Our security services are on high alert given past instances of attempted sabotage and assassination operations designed to provoke a legitimate response," Araghchi posted on X on Wednesday. — Euronews
