Iran, US Conclude Challenging Nuclear Talks in Oman

Muscat: The fourth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States concluded in Muscat, with Tehran indicating that Omani mediators will arrange the next session. According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei described the discussions on May 11 as "difficult but useful," highlighting the progress made in understanding each other's positions and attempting to find feasible solutions to the ongoing disagreements. "Next round will be coordinated and announced by Oman," Baqaei noted on social media platform X, emphasizing the crucial role of Oman in facilitating further negotiations. The talks' outcomes remain uncertain, as US representative Witkoff warned that failure to achieve positive results could necessitate exploring alternative approaches, hinting at the potential end of the current negotiation track. Iran's chief negotiator, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, has maintained a firm stance on enrichment, declaring it "nonnegotiable" and dismissing any possibility of dismantling Iran's nuclear program. Araqchi expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with the United States if the focus remains on preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, he asserted that Iran would not relinquish its nuclear rights if the negotiations aim to curb them. The geopolitical tension is underscored by warnings from US President Donald Trump regarding possible military action if diplomatic efforts fail, with Israel potentially participating in strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. In response, Iran has vowed retaliation and has recently showcased its military capabilities, including unveiling a new missile and an underground drone base. In a show of force, the United States deployed at least six B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia, a joint US-British military base in the Indian Ocean, in March. Additionally, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier has been dispatched to accompany the USS Harry S. Truman, already stationed in the region, further heightening th e strategic military presence in anticipation of potential escalations.