What's happened
Iran and the US are holding indirect negotiations in Oman amid rising regional tensions. Iran insists its missile program is non-negotiable and focuses on nuclear issues, while the US seeks broader talks including missile range and regional support. The talks follow military build-up and protests in Iran today, Saturday, 07 Feb 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The renewed talks in Oman highlight a fragile diplomatic window amid heightened regional tensions. Iran's firm stance on its missile program and nuclear rights signals a deep mistrust of US intentions, especially after recent military escalations. The US aims to leverage military pressure to extract concessions, but Iran's consistent refusal to negotiate on missile and regional issues suggests a high likelihood of stalemate. The involvement of regional mediators indicates a recognition that escalation risks are too high, but the underlying mistrust and conflicting demands make a breakthrough unlikely in the near term. The upcoming negotiations will test whether diplomatic channels can overcome entrenched positions or if military options will dominate the region's future.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the talks are scheduled for Friday in Oman, praising Oman’s role in facilitating negotiations. The outlet highlights Iran's insistence on focusing solely on nuclear issues and its rejection of US demands on missiles and regional support. The New Arab emphasizes Iran's position that negotiations will only address nuclear and sanctions issues, with Iran's leadership wary of US military threats. SBS notes the US military build-up and Trump's threats, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier group and downing an Iranian drone, which Iran has threatened to retaliate against. These contrasting perspectives underscore the deep mistrust and the high stakes involved in these diplomatic efforts.
How we got here
Tensions between Iran and the US have escalated over recent months, driven by Iran's protests, US military deployments, and disagreements over nuclear and missile programs. Previous negotiations stalled after Israel's attacks on Iran, and recent military actions have heightened fears of conflict. Mediators from Oman, Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt are attempting to facilitate dialogue, with Iran emphasizing its nuclear rights and rejecting US demands on missiles and regional support.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Are the Goals of the Iran-US Talks in Oman?
The upcoming Iran-US talks in Oman are a significant development in regional diplomacy. These negotiations aim to address key issues like nuclear restrictions and missile limits, with hopes of de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. But what exactly are the goals of these talks, and what could they mean for regional stability? Below, we explore the main questions surrounding this high-stakes diplomacy.
-
What’s the Latest on Iran-US Talks and Middle East Tensions?
Recent negotiations between Iran and the US in Oman have sparked global interest. With regional powers involved and fears of escalation, many wonder what these talks mean for peace and stability in the Middle East. Below, we answer key questions about the current diplomatic efforts, regional involvement, and potential risks of conflict.
-
What Are the Main Issues in Iran-US Nuclear Negotiations?
The ongoing Iran-US nuclear talks in Oman are at the heart of regional tensions and global diplomacy. While Iran insists negotiations focus solely on its nuclear program, the US seeks broader discussions including missile development and regional influence. Understanding these issues is key to grasping the current state of Middle East diplomacy and what might happen next. Below, we explore the main questions surrounding these negotiations and their wider implications.
-
What Are the Latest Developments in Iran-US Talks?
Recent negotiations between Iran and the US are shaping regional stability and global diplomacy. With talks resuming in Oman amid rising tensions, many wonder what the current status is, what Iran's stance on missile and nuclear policies is, and how regional conflicts influence these discussions. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding these critical diplomatic efforts and what they mean for the Middle East and beyond.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Staying updated with the latest headlines is crucial in understanding how global events unfold. From protests and diplomatic talks to disasters and policy changes, today's news covers a wide spectrum of issues. Curious about what’s happening right now? Here are the key stories shaping our world today and answers to common questions about these major events.
More on these topics
-
Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
-
Abbas Araghchi is an Iranian diplomat who is currently the political deputy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran. He previously held office as the Deputy for Asia–Pacific and the Commonwealth Affairs and Legal and International Affairs of the Mini
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor and landlord based in New York City, and founder of the Witkoff Group.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Masoud Pezeshkian is an Iranian heart surgeon and reformist politician of Azerbaijani and Kurdish descent who is currently President-elect of Iran.
-
Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
-
Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Located in a strategically important position at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the country shares land borders with the United Arab E
-
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.