Senior officials from the and have resumed indirect diplomatic talks in , with Muscat once again playing a central mediating role. The discussions come at a critical moment as concerns grow over Iran’s advancing nuclear activities and the risk of wider regional instability.

The talks are being conducted indirectly, with Omani officials shuttling messages between the two delegations. According to diplomatic sources, the primary agenda includes curbing Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities in exchange for potential sanctions relief, as well as confidence-building steps to reduce military escalation in the Middle East.

Iran has reiterated that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes and has demanded tangible economic relief, including eased restrictions on oil exports and access to frozen overseas assets. Tehran has also maintained that issues such as its ballistic missile programme and regional alliances are outside the scope of the current negotiations.

The United States, meanwhile, has stressed the need for verifiable limits on uranium enrichment and stronger monitoring mechanisms. Washington has signaled cautious openness to limited sanctions relief, provided Iran takes concrete and transparent steps to roll back sensitive nuclear activities.

These talks take place against a backdrop of heightened military alertness across the Gulf region, fluctuating crude oil prices, and growing anxiety in global financial markets. Analysts note that any progress in Oman could help stabilize energy markets and reduce geopolitical risk premiums, while a breakdown in talks may intensify volatility in oil, gold, and currency markets.

Oman’s role as a neutral intermediary has been pivotal in past US–Iran engagements, providing a discreet and trusted channel for dialogue when direct communication has proven politically difficult. While no immediate breakthrough is expected, diplomats describe the Muscat talks as a necessary step to prevent miscalculation and keep diplomatic options alive.

Observers say the outcome of these negotiations could shape Middle East security dynamics in the coming months, influence global energy supply expectations, and impact broader geopolitical alignments.