US and Iran to Hold Talks in Oman on Friday

Iranian and U.S. officials confirmed on Wednesday that diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran are scheduled to take place in Muscat, Oman, on Friday, reviving a planned negotiation that had been clouded by disagreements over venue and agenda.

The announcement came after earlier indications that the future of the talks was uncertain due to disputes over where and how the negotiations would be held. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the meeting’s timing and location in a post on social media, expressing appreciation to Oman for “making all the necessary arrangements.” White House officials also verified that both sides will meet in Muscat Friday.

The discussions are expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program and related issues, though the two countries remain at odds over how to structure the agenda. Tehran has pushed to limit talks to its nuclear program, while U.S. officials have signaled that broader regional concerns—including Iran’s ballistic missile development and its support for proxy groups—should be part of the conversation.

Negotiations scheduled for Friday follow a period of heightened tension between Washington and Tehran, including a build-up of U.S. forces in the Middle East and diplomatic efforts by regional nations to keep the dialogue alive. Oman has a history of facilitating contact between the two countries, making Muscat a familiar setting for such high-stakes discussions.

As the world watches closely, talks in Oman will test whether diplomacy can prevail amid deep disagreements and geopolitical pressures—or whether further escalation could follow.