Iran-Russia Meeting Precedes Second Round of U.S. Nuclear Talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is set to visit Russia this week ahead of a second round of nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington. The talks, aimed at resolving Iran’s long-standing nuclear standoff, will be held in Muscat, Oman, on Saturday, according to Iranian state media.

Araqchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff previously held indirect discussions in Oman, with Omani diplomat Badr al-Busaidi mediating between the two parties. While both sides described the meeting as positive, a senior Iranian official emphasized that it was only to set terms for future negotiations.

Conflicting reports emerged earlier suggesting possible talks in Italy, but Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the next session will remain in Muscat. Tehran approaches the dialogue with caution, citing mistrust of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action if no deal is reached.

Washington’s objective is to halt Iran’s uranium enrichment program, viewed by Western powers and Israel as a path to nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear activities are strictly for civilian energy needs. Moscow, a signatory of the 2015 nuclear accord, continues to support Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear development.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remains skeptical of U.S. intentions but is under pressure due to domestic unrest driven by economic hardship. Trump's return to office and the reinstatement of his "maximum pressure" sanctions campaign have intensified Iran’s economic challenges.

Since 2019, Iran has exceeded the enrichment limits of the 2015 deal, with the IAEA warning about high-purity uranium stocks nearing weapons-grade levels. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi will visit Tehran on Wednesday to address unresolved issues, including uranium traces found at undeclared sites. Grossi emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation to maintain diplomatic progress.