US to hold nuclear arms talks with Iran Saturday

The United States will meet with Iran on Saturday to hold talks regarding their long-standing and contentious relationship over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

While President Donald Trump has announced that these discussions will be direct, Iranian officials have clarified that they will proceed indirectly through Oman as a mediator.

Abbas Araghchi, Iranian foreign minister, confirmed the meeting late Monday on X.

Araghchi is expected to hold the discussions with Steve Witkoff, US envoy to the Middle East.

“It is as much an opportunity as it is a test. The ball is in America’s court,” the Iranian minister said.

The nuclear saga dates back to the 2015 joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA), an agreement under which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

The agreement was finalised in Vienna between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the US.

However, Trump withdrew the US from the deal in 2018 during his first term, citing concerns around Iran’s missile programme and regional influence.

Efforts to revive the deal under former President Joe Biden stalled due to disagreements over compliance and sequencing of commitments.

The resumption of talks comes after years of diplomatic stagnation and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Trump’s administration aims for an ambitious outcome, seeking not just a revival of JCPOA terms but potentially more stringent limitations on Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Earlier, Trump warned that if Iran does not accept the deal, it would be in “great danger”.

Last month, he said there would be “bombing” if the Middle Eastern country did not abide by US terms.