Iran–United States: Cautious Resumption of Nuclear Talks After Military Tensions

Iran has announced its intention to continue negotiations with the United States, following an initial session of indirect talks held in Oman. According to Tehran, these discussions took place in a “positive atmosphere,” despite a regional context marked by strong security tensions, particularly the recent deployment of a U.S. naval force in the Gulf.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, speaking after these exchanges, specified that the discussions had taken place with the U.S. envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, as well as with Jared Kushner, a close advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to Tehran, the discussions were strictly limited to the nuclear issue, in line with the Iranian position. Washington, however, would like to broaden the negotiations to other sensitive topics, including Iran's alleged support for certain armed groups hostile to Israel and the development of its ballistic missile program.

These talks represent the first diplomatic exchanges of this type since the U.S. strikes in June targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, in the context of a twelve-day war triggered after an Israeli attack against Iran. This military episode had significantly heightened regional tensions and slowed diplomatic initiatives.

The resumption of dialogue, even indirect, is therefore perceived by several observers as a sign of relative de-escalation, although many disagreements persist between the two countries. The next steps in the discussions could determine whether a lasting diplomatic path can be envisioned or if tensions will continue to dominate relations between Washington and Tehran.

Jean Wesley Pierre / Le Relief