A breakthrough in Iran-US nuclear talks could lower the risk of another Middle East conflict and curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, potentially easing American sanctions on Iran.
As the third round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States begins in Muscat, Oman, both sides express cautious optimism but remain wary. The talks aim for a breakthrough that could have major implications for regional and global security.
The Iran-US talks have a long and complex history, dating back to the 1970s.
The two countries have had several rounds of negotiations, focusing on issues such as nuclear disarmament, sanctions, and regional security.
In 'the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)' was signed, limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.
However, the US withdrew from the agreement in 2018, reimposing sanctions and straining relations.
Since then, there have been several attempts at reviving talks, including a 2021 meeting in 'Vienna'
Building Trust and Providing Assurances
In the two rounds of discussions in Rome and Oman so far, the two sides said negotiations would be based on building trust and providing assurances regarding Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. ‘This round marks the start of the first ‘expert-level’ talks between the Iranian and American teams.’ This round marks the start of the first ‘expert-level’ talks between the Iranian and American teams.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Muscat at the head of a high-ranking diplomatic, technical, and expert delegation, while the top US negotiator Steve Witkoff landed on Saturday, accompanied by a team led by senior State Department official Michael Anton and experts from the Treasury Department.
These talks will focus on technical issues such as the monitoring of Iran’s nuclear facilities, uranium enrichment levels, the management of enriched uranium stockpiles, and the practicalities of easing US sanctions.
What’s at Stake
According to the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’, as of March 2025, Iran had amassed over 100 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, just short of weapons-grade material. Nuclear weapons typically require uranium enriched to around 90%. If further enriched, Iran’s current stockpile could be used to make several bombs.
Iran's nuclear program began in the 1950s with the help of the United States.
However, after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran started developing its nuclear capabilities independently.
In 2002, it was revealed that Iran had been secretly building a nuclear facility at Natanz.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors Iran's nuclear activities, which are subject to United Nations Security Council resolutions.
As of 2021, Iran has enriched uranium to 60% purity, exceeding the 20% limit set by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is not for building weapons, while the ‘United States has repeatedly warned that it would lead military action against Iran if negotiations fail to produce an agreement.’ Tehran, for its part, has threatened fierce retaliation if attacked and has hinted that it could withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) — a move that would heighten regional tensions and potentially prompt other countries to pursue nuclear weapons programs.
A Breakthrough Could Have Major Implications
A successful agreement could lower the risk of another Middle East conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, and curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. It could also potentially ease American sanctions on Iran, maybe transforming its battered economy and reshaping its political outlook.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran-US deal, was a nuclear agreement between 'Iran' and the P5+1 countries, including the United States.
Signed in 2015, the deal aimed to limit 'Iran's nuclear program' in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.
Key provisions included a cap on uranium enrichment and limits on nuclear research and development.
The deal was implemented in January 2016, but was withdrawn by the US in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on 'Iran'.
