Despite four rounds of indirect talks mediated by Oman, Iran and the United States remain divided on uranium enrichment, with both sides seeking further guidance from their capitals before the next round.
By Joe D.
DUBAI, May 11 — High-stakes nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States concluded in Oman on Sunday with both sides acknowledging a more serious tone, yet key red lines remain untouched, particularly around uranium enrichment.
Mediated by Omani officials in Muscat, the fourth round of indirect talks marks the most sustained diplomatic effort in recent months, as Washington and Tehran look for a possible off-ramp from escalating tensions. Both sides now await instructions from their respective capitals before deciding on the timing of the next round.
Serious Engagement, But No Breakthrough
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi described the latest dialogue as “more serious and straightforward” than prior discussions, indicating that negotiators are starting to better understand each other’s positions. However, he reiterated Iran’s non-negotiable stance on its right to enrich uranium.
“While the scope or level of enrichment could be adjusted as a confidence-building measure, enrichment itself is not on the table for compromise,” Araqchi said on Iranian state television.
His counterpart, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, maintained a hardline position in public, stating in a separate interview that the U.S. expects “dismantlement and zero enrichment” from Iran — a demand Tehran has already rejected.
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Oman’s Diplomatic Role
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi described the discussions as including “useful and original ideas,” and confirmed that a fifth round would follow after internal consultations in both Washington and Tehran.
Oman has historically played the role of a neutral facilitator in past Iran-U.S. backchannel engagements. Diplomatic sources in Muscat said that while there was “no major shift” in either party’s position, the environment was “less confrontational” compared to previous sessions.
U.S. Maximum Pressure and Iran’s Red Lines
Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has renewed his administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign on Tehran, linking the talks to a broader tour of the Middle East intended to galvanize regional support.
Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if diplomacy fails, but sources close to his team have hinted at a growing willingness to reach a diplomatic resolution to avoid wider conflict.
However, Iran’s demands remain firm: no surrender of enriched uranium stockpiles, no halt to domestic enrichment, and no negotiations over its ballistic missile program.
Iran also insists on guarantees that the U.S. will not unilaterally withdraw from any future nuclear agreement — a clear reference to Trump’s 2018 exit from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran-US nuclear talks to resume in Oman; Trump administration seeks dismantlement of Tehran's enrichment facilities@sehgalrahesha tells you more pic.twitter.com/1OVtGysi5Q
— WION (@WIONews) May 11, 2025
Commentary: Diplomacy Under Pressure
With uranium enrichment now reaching up to 60% — just shy of weapons-grade — the stakes of inaction are growing. While both sides publicly reject each other’s red lines, the fact that negotiations continue is, in itself, a sign that diplomacy remains viable, if fragile.
Analysts believe both Iran and the U.S. are using the Muscat talks as a testing ground for compromise while managing their domestic political narratives. “The tough rhetoric is for their home audiences,” said a Gulf-based diplomat. “Behind closed doors, there’s more flexibility than either side admits.”
What’s Next?
A timeline for the next round remains unclear, but both Tehran and Washington are expected to engage in internal policy reviews over the coming days. The possibility of involving European signatories to the original JCPOA has also been floated as a way to expand the format and potentially add momentum.
Whether these discussions will lead to a new agreement or simply delay further escalation remains to be seen.
Final Takeaway
The Muscat talks mark a renewed attempt at breaking the nuclear deadlock, but meaningful resolution remains elusive. As the two sides dig into their positions, the window for compromise appears open — yet increasingly narrow.
