U.S. and Iran Dispute Nature of Nuclear Talks

​On April 7, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Iran had commenced direct talks concerning Iran’s nuclear program. Speaking from the Oval Office alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated, “We’re having direct talks with Iran, and they’ve started. It’ll go on Saturday. We have a very big meeting, and we’ll see what can happen.”

However, Iranian officials have contested this characterization, asserting that any negotiations will be conducted indirectly through intermediaries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that discussions are set to occur in Oman with the involvement of mediators, rejecting the notion of direct engagement with the U.S. under the current “maximum pressure” sanctions policy. ​

The U.S. aims to negotiate a more stringent agreement than the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), potentially requiring the complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program. Conversely, Iran considers its nuclear development a non-negotiable right and is seeking the lifting of economic sanctions as a priority. ​

Tensions have escalated with Trump’s warning of severe consequences if the negotiations fail, while Iran remains steadfast in its position, emphasizing the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. The international community is closely monitoring these developments, aware of their potential impact on regional stability and global security.