On Friday, the Omani capital, Muscat, will host talks that some described as “last chance talks” between the American and Iranian delegations, in a move that may determine the course of the Iranian nuclear crisis. These negotiations come amid rising regional tensions, following the Israeli and American strikes on Iran last June, in addition to the widespread popular protests that the Islamic Republic experienced at the beginning of the year.

Published on: 02/06/2026 - 07:30

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The American and Iranian delegations will meet on Friday in the Omani capital, Muscat, to hold talks on the Iranian nuclear file and American demands. These are the first talks between the two parties since the “12-day” war launched by Israel against Iranian military sites in June 2025, and the lightning American bombing that targeted Iranian nuclear sites.

Those who follow Iranian affairs believe that the Muscat talks will be decisive in determining whether the United States will launch a military strike against Iran or not.

At the end of December 2025 and the beginning of 2026, the Islamic Republic witnessed massive popular demonstrations, started by bazaar merchants in Tehran before spreading to many social segments and different cities, in protest against the high standard of living and prices, and the high inflation rate of about 40 percent.

The authorities responded with brutal repression, which led to the killing of tens of thousands of demonstrators, according to statistics from some human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International.

The nuclear file and the lifting of economic sanctions

Some Iranian media reported that the Muscat talks will focus on two main points: the nuclear file and lifting the economic sanctions imposed on Iran for years.

But the American side wants more, as it demands that Tehran "stop uranium enrichment and nuclear tests, and destroy all missiles that can reach a range of more than 200 kilometers to prevent targeting its allies in the region, in addition to stopping funding groups that the United States considers terrorist, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, as well as the Houthis in Yemen." Below is some information regarding the talks that will begin Friday in Muscat

• What parties will participate in the Muscat talks?

Iran will be represented by its Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the American side will be represented by senior negotiators and Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.

Abbas Araghchi is a veteran diplomat with extensive experience in international negotiations. He is considered one of the most prominent faces of the Iranian regime, which sought to persuade Trump not to launch a military strike against his country, through visits to world capitals that might help change the position of the American president. Araghchi speaks English fluently.

As for Steve Witkoff, he is an investor who built his fortune in the real estate sector. He enjoys the confidence of Donald Trump, who relies on him a lot in other files, such as the Russian-Ukrainian file.

• Demands of both sides in the talks?

The demands of the American side are clear: stopping the Iranian nuclear program once and for all in exchange for lifting the economic sanctions imposed on Tehran, and destroying all long-range missiles (more than 200 kilometers) to prevent them from reaching its allies in the Middle East, in addition to stopping funding the factions supported by Iran, such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.

Washington also called for an end to the violence against demonstrators and students, and to prevent the implementation of any death sentences against them.

Read also: Iran and the United States will hold indirect talks in Oman on Friday

On the other hand, Iran stressed that the Muscat talks should be limited to the nuclear file only, and not to its missile program or defensive capabilities. It also refuses to discuss the file of the armed factions spread in several countries in the region.

• What are the risks facing Iran?

Donald Trump did not rule out launching a military strike on the most prominent Iranian military and security sites if the negotiations fail. He said in a previous statement: “We are talking to Iran. If we can reach an agreement, that would be great, and if we cannot, bad things may happen.”

Trump had ordered the dispatch of the aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln" to the region, in addition to US Navy soldiers, as a warning that any failure in the negotiations might result in the use of force.

Iran responded by saying that it was "ready" for all scenarios, and that it would respond "harshly" and target American ships and bases if they were subjected to any attack.

• What are the possible targets of the American attack?

Estimates have varied regarding the possible targets of the US attack. According to some specialists, Washington will target Iranian nuclear sites, such as the Kenz and Bushehr stations, to eliminate Iran's nuclear ambitions once and for all.

Although these stations were targeted last June, it appears that they were not completely destroyed, and Iran is still capable of manufacturing a nuclear bomb.

Other specialists talk about targeting the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the backbone of the regime, in addition to other forces such as the “Basij” (elite forces).

Read also: The United States announces the downing of an Iranian drone that approached an aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea

It is also possible that the US military will target Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to create a rift within the regime, although this hypothesis is difficult due to fears of harming civilians. Washington has many options that it may reveal at the last minute, as happened in Venezuela.

• What is the position of Israel and the countries neighboring Iran?

Tel Aviv urges its American ally to launch a lightning strike against Iran, considering that the talks are useless.

On the other hand, the Gulf states, led by Qatar, which has good relations with Iran, are calling for the language of dialogue and understanding to prevail and to exploit Friday’s talks to find a peaceful way out. Saudi Arabia shares the same vision, as it does not want a war to break out on its borders.

• What is the atmosphere in Iran and what is the position of the American citizen?

The Iranian regime is trying to overcome the crisis after the fierce repression against the demonstrators, stressing its readiness to confront any American attack. The army sent a reconnaissance drone to monitor the movements of the American fleet, but it was shot down by the American army.

As for the United States, anxiety grips large segments of society, especially those who voted for Trump, demanding that he pay attention to internal problems and improve the living situation instead of opening a new combat front. It seems that Trump, whose popularity has declined, understood the message well.

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