Iran, US hold tense Oman talks as war fears grow
Iran and the United States have held high stakes indirect talks in Oman aimed at easing their nuclear dispute and preventing a new war in the Middle East. The negotiations in Muscat were arranged through Omani mediation and focused on Iran’s nuclear programme, but deep disagreements over missiles, regional militias and human rights threatened to derail progress. Iran wants the talks to be limited strictly to nuclear issues, while Washington insists its concerns about ballistic missiles, Tehran’s support for armed groups and its treatment of protesters must also be addressed. Iranian officials say their ballistic missile programme is non negotiable and part of the country’s defence, while demanding recognition of their right to enrich uranium and the lifting of US sanctions reimposed after Donald Trump quit the 2015 nuclear deal. For the US, allowing uranium enrichment inside Iran remains a […]