US-Iran Nuclear Talks on the Brink of Collapse as Disputes Over Agenda and Venue Threaten Diplomacy

High-stakes diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran are scheduled to take place in Oman on Friday, but negotiations have been brought to the brink of collapse due to fundamental disagreements over their agenda and format. The crisis emerged when Iran insisted that the talks be moved from Turkey to Oman, initially rejected by the US. Last-minute interventions by several Arab states persuaded the White House to accept the venue change, preventing the meeting from fully breaking down.

Beyond the location, a more profound dispute over the scope of discussions threatens the dialogue. The US insists that talks must also include Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional activities. Iran, however, insists that the agenda be strictly limited to its nuclear programme, focusing on assurances of its peaceful intent. Iranian leadership argues it must retain the right to enrich uranium domestically, which conflicts with reported US demands for Iran to export its enriched uranium stockpiles.

The diplomatic deadlock is occurring against the backdrop of severe military threats and a substantial US military build-up in the region. Both sides have escalated their rhetoric, warning of severe retaliation against any attack. With Oman serving as the key mediator, these talks represent a delicate final opportunity for diplomacy to prevent a major escalation, as regional powers urge both sides to find common ground and reduce tensions to avoid broader conflict.