Following the third round of US-Iran nuclear talks held in Muscat on April 27, 2025, a sense of cautious optimism prevails in both capitals. After more than four hours of intense discussions, Iranian and US negotiators concluded their indirect talks, leaving the door open for further dialogue despite acknowledging major unresolved differences. Iran’s chief negotiator Abbas Araghchi described the atmosphere as “more serious” than in previous rounds, noting that technical experts’ involvement helped advance the talks into “more detailed and technical issues.” However, Araghchi stressed that a “serious disagreement” persists, including on key topics like uranium enrichment levels and Iran’s ballistic missile program — both Iranian red lines. “There is seriousness on both sides and we can hope for progress,” Araghchi said. “But this hope remains extremely cautious.” He emphasized that discussions remain strictly limited to nuclear issues and confidence-building measures in exchange for sanctions relief. A fourth round of talks is expected next weekend, likely in Europe, though final details are pending.
Meanwhile, a senior US official described Saturday’s meeting as “positive and productive” but refrained from detailing specific points of contention. Talks included US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who traveled to Oman following consultations in Moscow with President Vladimir Putin. In Tehran, the atmosphere around the negotiations has been tense. Speaking before Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib urged political factions not to polarize public opinion over the negotiations. He also highlighted ongoing efforts against anti-government groups amid technological changes in hybrid warfare. Relations between Iran and European powers (the E3) also remain strained. In a widely circulated X post, Araghchi criticized the E3’s recent stance and renewed his offer of dialogue, warning that failure to seize the diplomatic moment could shape the foreseeable future negatively. “The ball is now in the E3’s court,” he wrote.
From the Iranian perspective, there is a real risk of focusing exclusively on the communication channel with the United States in Oman. While this line of dialogue is crucial for Iran to avoid war, it is not sufficient to address its broader challenges with Europe — which remains largely a bystander in the ongoing negotiations — or to prevent the activation of the snapback mechanism. This diplomatic tool allows members of the JCPOA to request the swift reimposition of UN sanctions against Iran in the event of a breach of its nuclear commitments. The E3 have already expressed their willingness to trigger the snapback as early as June if negotiations show no significant progress. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also acknowledged the possibility of European countries triggering the snapback mechanism, framing it as part of a broader strategy of negotiations conducted under maximum pressure.
Iranian newspapers captured the mood with cautious headlines: “Bargaining Over a Technical Issue” (Etemad), “Hope Tainted with Prudence” (Sharq) and “Serious Talks to Narrow Differences” (Arman). Others underlined the complexity ahead: “Everyone Returns Home to Examine the Details” (Javan) and “Araghchi: We Will Not Negotiate Beyond the Nuclear Issue” (Kayhan). As both Tehran and Washington prepare for the next round, optimism remains tempered by the many political and technical hurdles still on the table. Indeed, the talks, mediated by Omani diplomats, reflect a delicate balance between pragmatic deal-making and ambitious goals for global non-proliferation. As the world watches, the outcome of these negotiations could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics, influence nuclear diplomacy and redefine the US-Iran relationship.
By 2025, Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium and advanced centrifuge capabilities had raised alarms, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimating that Iran could produce enough material for a nuclear weapon in weeks, though weaponization would take longer. The Oman talks are a positive step: pragmatic compromises to avert a crisis versus ambitious aspirations for a sustainable non-proliferation framework. Both sides face domestic pressures that limit flexibility. In the United States, a polarized Congress and looming 2026 midterm elections constrain President Donald Trump’s room to offer sanctions relief. In Iran, “hardliners,” the IRGC and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s close circle view concessions as a betrayal of the country’s core values.
The immediate aim is a stopgap agreement to freeze Iran’s nuclear advancements in exchange for limited sanctions relief, such as unfreezing Iranian assets or easing oil export restrictions. Such a deal would buy time for broader negotiations while preventing Iran from crossing the nuclear threshold. For the United States, it would mitigate the risk of a regional military escalation, whereas for Iran, economic relief could stabilize its currency and address public discontent amid soaring inflation. Beyond a temporary deal, both sides harbor loftier goals. The United States seeks a “JCPOA-plus” framework that extends Iran’s nuclear restrictions beyond 2030, incorporates missile development and addresses Iran’s regional influence. Iran, meanwhile, demands ironclad guarantees that future US administrations will not abandon the deal, a tall order given the JCPOA’s non-binding status under US law. These ambitions clash with reality: Tehran’s refusal to curb its ballistic missile program and Washington’s reluctance to offer legally binding commitments create a wide gap.
In Oman, the US technical team was led by Michael Anton, director of the State Department’s Office of Policy Planning and former spokesperson for the National Security Council during Trump’s first administration. He faced experienced Iranian nuclear negotiators Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi. According to Araghchi, the next round of talks may also include an expert from the IAEA, the UN body responsible for monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities.
To overcome the technical aspects, one possible solution to address concerns over Iran maintaining its enrichment capabilities in the event of a US withdrawal from a new nuclear deal could involve the Russian proposal. Under this plan, the United States has suggested transferring Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium to a third country, with Russia identified as a potential host. This move aims to reduce the risk of Iran advancing toward nuclear weapons capability. As of March 2025, Iran’s stockpile was estimated at 275 kilograms — an amount that could, in theory, be further enriched to produce material for multiple nuclear weapons. The proposal envisions Russia holding the uranium as a safeguard, with the possibility of returning it to Iran if the United States were to withdraw from a future agreement.
The Oman talks are a litmus test for the future of non-proliferation diplomacy. A successful interim deal could restore faith in multilateral frameworks, demonstrating that even adversaries can negotiate under pressure. It could also strengthen the IAEA’s role, which has struggled to monitor Iran’s program amid restricted access. Conversely, failure risks a cascade of consequences: an emboldened Iran, a regional military escalation and a weakened Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The talks also highlight broader trends in international diplomacy. First, they underscore the growing importance of neutral mediators like Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Switzerland in bridging divides where direct talks are untenable. Second, they reflect the challenge of aligning short-term crisis management with long-term strategic goals in an era of volatile domestic politics. Finally, they raise questions about the viability of non-proliferation in a multipolar world, where rising powers like China play larger roles in shaping outcomes. While significant obstacles remain, the willingness to engage in dialogue offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution. The international community must support these efforts, recognizing that the stakes reach far beyond the borders of any single nation. After 22 years of nuclear negotiations with Iran, US diplomats face two major challenges: securing a deal and ensuring that it endures.
