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ISLAMABAD: Amid escalating regional tensions and recent military incidents,Iran has successfully pushed to relocate indirect nuclear negotiations withthe United States from Istanbul, Turkey, to Muscat, Oman, set for February6, 2026. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the venue changelate Wednesday, thanking Oman for arrangements, while the White Houseacknowledged US participation in the high-level talks. This decisionfollows intense diplomacy, including Araghchi’s visit to Turkey wherePresident Recep Tayyip Erdogan advocated for negotiations and coordinatedwith President Masoud Pezeshkian. The move underscores Iran’s determinationto keep discussions narrowly focused on its nuclear program and sanctionsrelief, rejecting broader agendas.
The origins of the venue shift trace back to Turkey’s mediation role.Erdogan, during meetings with Araghchi in Istanbul, urged de-escalation andoffered Turkey as host for talks involving regional powers. Turkishdiplomats quickly mobilized, gaining US agreement for Istanbul initially.Plans included inviting countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, andPakistan to exert collective pressure for successful outcomes, viewing thenegotiations as a regional security matter affected by potential Iran-USconflict. However, Iran resisted this expanded format, insisting onbilateral, indirect talks limited to nuclear issues.
Central to Iran’s preference for Muscat is Oman’s established reputation asa neutral and discreet intermediary. Oman has facilitated multiple roundsof US-Iran backchannel communications, notably laying groundwork for the2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Recent discussions beforethe Israel-Iran war also occurred in Oman, making it a familiar and trustedlocation for both parties. Unlike Istanbul, which could attract significantmedia scrutiny due to Turkey’s active regional diplomacy, Muscat provides alow-profile environment aligned with Iran’s desire for closed-door,confidential negotiations away from public attention.
Iran’s strategic calculus emphasizes scope limitation. Tehran hasconsistently maintained that talks should address only its nuclearactivities and sanctions, excluding ballistic missiles or support forregional groups—issues Washington and allies prioritize. A broader Istanbulconference risked incorporating these topics through regional participants,potentially pressuring Iran on multiple fronts. By shifting to Oman, Iranensures a continuation of previous nuclear-focused dialogues, preventingagenda expansion and preserving its negotiating red lines.
Diplomatic sources indicate the US accepted the change promptly, despiteongoing format discussions. Reports highlight that while Turkey’sinitiative aimed at inclusive regional involvement to enhance dealsustainability, Iran viewed it as diluting focus and introducing unwantedpressures. Oman’s quiet facilitation history, including hosting talks amidheightened tensions, reassured both sides of neutrality. The venue switchoccurred during final preparations, with Araghchi announcing Muscat talksat 10 a.m. local time on Friday.
This development reflects broader geopolitical dynamics in West Asia.Turkey’s efforts, backed by phone calls between Erdogan and Pezeshkian,demonstrated Ankara’s commitment to dialogue over confrontation. Yet Iran’sinsistence on Oman highlights Tehran’s caution toward multilateral settingsinvolving Gulf states or Pakistan, fearing diluted leverage. The talksproceed against a backdrop of US military buildup and warnings fromPresident Donald Trump, yet the venue agreement signals mutual interest inaverting escalation through diplomacy.
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Oman’s role as mediator remains pivotal. Its consistent neutrality anddiscreet approach have proven effective in past Iran-US interactions,contrasting with more public venues. The preference for Muscat ensuresnegotiations remain technical and contained, increasing prospects forincremental progress on nuclear constraints and sanctions. As partiesconverge in Oman, the outcome could influence regional stability amidongoing conflicts and protests in Iran.
The shift from Istanbul to Muscat illustrates the delicate balance inindirect diplomacy. While Turkey sought a comprehensive framework, Iranprioritized confidentiality and focus. This adjustment, accepted by the US,paves the way for talks narrowly tailored to core disputes, potentiallylaying groundwork for future de-escalation in a volatile region.
Source:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/4/us-iran-nuclear-talks-set-for-oman-on-friday-tehran-confirms
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