What to know as Iran and US set for nuclear talks in Oman

Iran and the United States are set to hold crucial talks in Oman on Friday, February 6, 2026, focusing on Tehran's nuclear program. This meeting comes in the wake of Israel's 12-day war on Iran in June 2025 and the subsequent Iranian crackdown on nationwide protests. The talks, mediated by Oman, follow a series of diplomatic efforts that were disrupted by the conflict and the internal unrest in Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained pressure on Iran, suggesting potential military action if Tehran escalates its nuclear activities or continues its harsh treatment of protesters. The talks aim to address the escalating tensions and the future of Iran's nuclear program, which has been a contentious issue between the two nations for decades. The discussions are significant as they come at a time when Iran has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels, raising international concerns about its nuclear ambitions. The talks in Oman will be led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, who have previously engaged in indirect negotiations. The meeting is seen as a rare opportunity for direct dialogue between the two countries, which have had strained relations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The talks also follow a series of diplomatic missteps, including Witkoff's suggestion of a 3.67% enrichment level for Iran, which aligns with the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump later abandoned. Iran has insisted on its right to enrich uranium, while the U.S. maintains that any deal must prevent Iran from achieving nuclear capabilities. The talks in Oman are expected to be challenging, given the deep-seated mistrust and the recent escalation in tensions. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact regional stability and the future of U.S.-Iran relations.