US-Iran talks in Oman 'positive', but no guarantees against military escalation

Iranian authorities have described recent indirect talks with the United States, brokered by Oman in Muscat, as "positive," however the meetings did not produce any concrete action plan that would ease growing fears of a possible American attack on Iran.

The Iranian delegation in Muscat was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday, while Washington was represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law. The American delegation also included the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper, the top US military commander in the region.

Speaking to Iranian state television after the talks concluded, Araghchi said the indirect negotiations had a "good start," but added that the decision on future rounds would only be made after "consultations with the capitals."

However, the Iranian foreign minister stressed that the process is taking place in a climate of deep “distrust.” He referred to the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, when the US intervened after Israel and Iran were embroiled in a 12-day war. These attacks occurred just days before the sixth round of indirect talks was scheduled to begin.

Oman's role and mediation efforts

Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi met separately with the American and Iranian delegations several times on Friday, conveying messages between the parties.

"It was useful to clarify both the Iranian and American positions and identify areas for possible progress," Al Busaidi said, adding that the aim is to "meet again at the appropriate time."

According to a statement from the Omani Foreign Ministry, the consultations "focused on creating appropriate conditions for the resumption of diplomatic and technical negotiations."

Growing American military pressure

The talks in Muscat come as US President Donald Trump is openly considering military options against Iran. The US has moved the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, along with support warships and fighter jets, near Iranian waters.

At the same time, air defenses at US bases across the region have been significantly strengthened, while US forces have also shot down an Iranian drone this week.

The red lines of the parties

The two sides remain deeply divided. The US demands that Iran completely abandon its uranium enrichment, including the 3.67 percent level for civilian use, allowed under the 2015 nuclear deal. That deal was unilaterally abandoned by Trump in 2018.

Before the US attacks in June, Iran was enriching uranium to 60 percent, while key nuclear facilities were destroyed or severely damaged by bombing.

In addition to the nuclear issue, Washington also wants to limit the range of Iranian ballistic missiles and stop military and financial support for armed groups linked to Tehran in Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria. These demands enjoy support from several European powers and the far-right government in Israel.

On the other hand, Tehran has repeatedly stressed that it will negotiate only on its nuclear program, with the aim of lifting sanctions and reducing tensions. Any discussion on missiles or other issues, according to Iranian authorities, constitutes a "red line." Araghchi also reiterated that Iran seeks an end to the threats of war by the United States.

Messages of strength from Tehran

At the same time as the talks, Iranian commanders have stressed that the country remains prepared for a regional-scale war. On Thursday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) unveiled a new test of one of Iran's most advanced ballistic missiles.

State broadcaster Press TV reported that the Khorramshahr-4 missile, capable of hitting Israel and US bases in the region, was deployed on a mobile launcher fired from an underground base.

Yadollah Javani, the IRGC's political deputy, stated that "the discovery of the missile shows that, even though we are sitting at the negotiating table, we will not give up our military power."

The anxiety and fatigue of Iranian society

Developments are also being closely followed by Iranian citizens, but this time there are fewer signs of optimism compared to the previous five rounds of negotiations held last year, before the 12-day war with Israel.

Soroush, a Tehran resident, told Al Jazeera that he hopes the negotiations will remove the shadow of war. "War not only brings fear and anxiety, but also doubles the economic pressure," he said, as Iran faces one of the highest inflation rates in the world.

But another resident of the capital, Maryam, expressed her belief that the negotiations will fail and "will definitely lead to war," due to the diametrically opposed positions of the parties.

After last month's nationwide protests, in which thousands of people were killed, anger and frustration run deep. Some citizens, tired of the insecurity and constant pressure, say they are even welcoming a military escalation.

“War is not a good thing, but the conditions we are living in now are, in many ways, worse than war itself,” Amir said from Tehran. “I don’t think anything worse will happen with war than what already exists.”

The Iranian government says 3,117 people were killed during the protests and blames “terrorists” and “rebels,” denying responsibility for state forces. However, the recent publication of an official death toll has raised more questions.

The United Nations and international human rights organizations have documented widespread use of lethal force by authorities, as well as attacks on hospitals and medical staff. They say the real death toll is likely much higher than official figures.

The Geo Post