Iran-US talks in Muscat bought time, not a deal

"When Iranian and American negotiators concluded several hours of talks in Muscat on February 6, publicly, neither side signalled any shift from its opening position. Iran insisted the discussions focus exclusively on the nuclear file. The United States arrived seeking a comprehensive framework that would also cover ballistic missiles, regional armed groups, and more broadly, issues Washington has raised publicly, including human rights concerns. Neither prevailed. Both agreed to meet again."

"The Muscat round was the first high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries since the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, an escalation that Iran later said killed more than 1,000 people and involved strikes on three nuclear sites. That the two sides returned to the same palace near Muscat's airport where previous rounds were held in 2025, and agreed to return again is significant."

"The most striking feature of the Muscat round was not what was said, but who sat in the room. The American delegation was led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law. It also included, for the first time, Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command, in full dress uniform. His presence at the negotiating table was not incidental. It was a signal."

High-level Iran–United States talks resumed in Muscat without any immediate breakthroughs, with both sides reaffirming their initial positions. Iran demanded the talks focus solely on the nuclear file while the United States pushed for a comprehensive framework including ballistic missiles, regional armed groups, and human-rights concerns. The session marked the first direct engagement since joint US–Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025, which Iran said killed over 1,000 people and hit three nuclear facilities. The presence of senior US envoys alongside a Central Command admiral and carrier strike-group forces signalled parallel diplomatic and military pressure. Further meetings will determine whether talks yield foundations for agreement or simply delay escalation.

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