Oman Seeks New Deal on Iran’s Nuclear Program

Oman’s foreign minister had a meeting with President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Geneva on Thursday. This discussion is part of the heightened efforts to establish a new agreement concerning Iran’s nuclear activities.

Minister Saeed Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi mentioned that the focus of their conversation was on Iran’s proposals and viewpoints. They also addressed various questions from the U.S. negotiating team related to critical elements of Iran’s nuclear program and the necessary assurances for a potential deal.

“The Foreign Minister emphasized that efforts are ongoing in a constructive manner, with negotiators demonstrating a remarkable willingness to consider new and innovative ideas. This is aimed at creating conditions that will help in progressing towards a fair agreement with lasting guarantees,” the ministry communicated in a message on X.

These discussions are unfolding against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions and an apparent increase in U.S. military presence in the Middle East. This includes the repositioning of naval assets and enhancements to air defense systems.

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and several missile destroyers are currently operating in the Arabian Sea, while additional destroyers are stationed in the Mediterranean and Red Sea. Moreover, various warships are deployed near Iran’s southern coast in the Persian Gulf.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked to reporters on Wednesday that President Trump is keen on finding a diplomatic solution but considers Iran to be a “grave threat.” This concern extends to Iran’s nuclear aspirations and its advancing missile capabilities.

Rubio pointed out that while discussions in Geneva would primarily center on the nuclear program, the refusal by Iran to engage on ballistic missile issues remains a significant hurdle.

“Iran possesses a considerable number of ballistic missiles that pose a threat to the United States and its bases as well as our allies in the region. We must recognize that beyond their nuclear program, they have conventional weapons designed specifically to attack American interests. It’s crucial that we tackle these issues,” he stated.