BLACK mobile logo

united states

US and Iran agree to hold nuclear talks in Oman on Friday

February 5, 2026

The United States and Iran have confirmed they will hold nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman on Friday, following uncertainty about whether the talks would proceed due to disagreements over location and scope. President Trump has deployed additional military forces to the region and issued stark warnings to Iran's Supreme Leader about the consequences of not reaching an agreement, while Iran has cautioned that any US attack would trigger broader regional conflict. The US insists negotiations must address not only nuclear issues but also Iran's ballistic missile program, support for militant groups, and treatment of protesters, whereas Iran wants discussions limited to nuclear matters in exchange for sanctions relief.

Who is affected

  • Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian government officials
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
  • President Donald Trump and US officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff
  • Iranian protesters (6,445 confirmed killed according to HRANA, with thousands more deaths being investigated)
  • Iranian security forces (at least 3,117 people killed according to Iranian authorities)
  • Children (164 killed according to HRANA)
  • Arab and Muslim leaders who urged continuation of talks
  • Regional powers with representatives involved in diplomatic efforts

What action is being taken

  • The US and Iran are holding nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman on Friday starting at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT)
  • The US has built up military forces in the region
  • Arab and Muslim leaders are urging the Trump administration to continue negotiations
  • Iranian authorities are conducting a crackdown on protesters
  • The Iranian government is maintaining an internet shutdown imposed since January 8

Why it matters

  • This matters because it represents a critical diplomatic effort to prevent potential military conflict between the US and Iran that could escalate into a broader regional war, as warned by Khamenei. The negotiations address Iran's nuclear capabilities, with Trump claiming Iran was one month away from having a nuclear weapon before previous US strikes on Iranian facilities. The outcome could determine whether tensions de-escalate through diplomacy or escalate through military action, with significant implications for regional stability, the lives of Iranian citizens facing government crackdowns, and international nuclear nonproliferation efforts.

What's next

  • Nuclear talks will begin Friday at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT) in Muscat, Oman
  • No other explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC