Indirect talks between Iran and the US in Muscat: Conditional calm amid military preparedness and mutual threats
Iran’s determination to respond massively to any aggression has stalled Washington’s rush to launch air and missile strikes against Iran’s leadership and vital facilities, even as indirect talks between the United States and Iran are set to take place next Friday in Muscat, Oman.
These talks are taking place at the same time as the US is strengthening its aggressive military posture in the region and Iran is on high alert to counter a possible US or Israeli attack, an attack that could lead to a widespread regional war.
Tehran is entering negotiations with specific conditions based on the lessons learned from last June’s war: a sole focus on the nuclear file, a step-by-step approach with verifiable guarantees, and making any concessions conditional on countermeasures in the area of sanctions. Iran emphasizes that any aggression will be met with an immediate and decisive response to US and Israeli interests.
Diplomatic estimates indicate that Iran’s assertiveness and the risk of regional war have led the United States to accept indirect negotiations with conditions closer to Tehran’s view. Although the military buildup has been maintained as a tool of pressure, the Sultanate of Oman, as a traditional mediator, has maintained communication channels and is trying to reduce tensions.
Observers see the talks as a crucial test to avoid a wider confrontation, with expectations low and the talks taking place at a regionally sensitive time.
