Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran and Washington will finally hold bilateral negotiations on Friday, February 6, in Oman, following days of contradictory reports over the location and format of the talks.
In a post on X, Araghchi said the negotiations are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. local time in Muscat.
The talks were initially planned to take place in Istanbul, with the participation of several Arab regional countries.
Iranian officials reportedly opposed that venue and instead proposed the traditional location of Muscat, while also insisting that the talks be bilateral and limited strictly to the nuclear issue.
According to media reports, the United States initially rejected these conditions but ultimately agreed to remain engaged following pressure from regional allies.
The negotiations come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.
An earlier round of talks was halted after an Israeli attack in June triggered a 12-day war that also included US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Over the past month, the United States has significantly expanded its military presence in the region, a move many analysts view as preparation for a potential attack on Iran.
Regional countries, wary of the consequences of such action and the risk of a wider conflict, have been pushing for a diplomatic resolution to the Tehran-Washington standoff.
Officials in Tehran insist the talks will focus exclusively on nuclear issues. Some reports had suggested that Iran agreed to transfer more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium to another country, though Iranian officials later dismissed those claims.
US officials, however, say the negotiations must also address other concerns, including Iran’s missile program and its regional influence.
