People drove past an anti-Israel billboard in Tehran’s Palestine square on May 5, 2025. The United States and Iran are set to engage in another round of nuclear talks in Oman on Sunday. This comes ahead of a visit to the region by Donald Trump, who has taken a tough stance on uranium enrichment.
The previous discussions in Oman and Rome left both sides feeling positive, despite decades of hostility between the two countries. However, technical details have not been thoroughly addressed, leaving some fundamental questions unanswered. Steve Witkoff, a negotiator for Trump, initially hinted at some flexibility regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment for civilian purposes. But in a recent interview, he made it clear that the Trump administration would not support any enrichment activities in Iran.
According to Witkoff, “An enrichment program can never exist in the state of Iran ever again. That’s our red line. No enrichment.” He emphasized the need for dismantling enrichment facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the possibility of Iran importing enriched uranium for civilian energy purposes.
Trump withdrew from the nuclear agreement with Iran negotiated by former President Obama during his first term. This agreement allowed Iran to enrich uranium at levels below what is necessary for nuclear weapons. Despite doubts from many observers, Iran may have to consider dismantling its entire nuclear program given its current circumstances. Israel’s actions against Hezbollah and Iran’s ally, Bashar al-Assad in Syria, have weakened Iran’s position.
Trump has acknowledged the challenges in his Iran policy, admitting that some advisors have been pushing for a more aggressive approach. He expressed a preference for diplomacy over military action, stating, “I’d much rather make a deal.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that negotiations are progressing, with Oman proposing Sunday as the date for the talks.
The Trump administration has continued to impose sanctions on Iran, despite ongoing discussions. These sanctions have strained relations between the two countries. Iran’s main market for oil, China, has also faced sanctions from the United States. Since withdrawing from the Obama-era deal, the US has been working to prevent other countries from purchasing Iranian oil.
As negotiations continue, both sides are hopeful for progress in addressing the complex issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. The path to a resolution remains uncertain, but diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further escalation of tensions. The upcoming talks in Oman will provide an opportunity for both parties to delve into the details and work towards a mutually acceptable solution.
