Khamenei has given Iran's foreign minister "full authority" for negotiations, but limited the discussions strictly to the nuclear issue. Iran is already enriching uranium to 60%, a step away from weapons-grade, prompting Western warnings. Israel threatens: "We will not allow the Iranians to obtain nuclear weapons."
A critical summit is set to take place today (Saturday) in Oman between senior Iranian and US representatives, in a bid to prevent a security escalation amid the ongoing crisis surrounding Iran's nuclear program. The talks are unfolding under the looming presence of US President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action if no agreement is reached, and as the region grapples with multiple active conflict zones.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has granted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi "full authority" to conduct the negotiations - an unusual move signaling the gravity of the moment. On the American side, the talks will be led by Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. "The duration of the talks will depend on the seriousness and sincerity of the American intentions," a senior Iranian official told Reuters.
The divide between the two sides remains deep: Trump is demanding a direct face-to-face meeting, while Iran prefers indirect channels. Tehran has also set clear boundaries, insisting the negotiations focus solely on the nuclear issue and flatly rejecting any discussion of its missile program or defense capabilities. Western experts warn that Iran's nuclear program has made significant strides since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran is now enriching uranium to a 60% purity level, a critical threshold dangerously close to weapons-grade, despite Tehran's repeated claims that its nuclear ambitions are purely civilian. (Read More)
