What’s Behind the Threats to Strike Iran’s Nuclear Sites?

In a significant development, an informed source revealed that unofficial backchannel talks recently took place between Iran and the United States in Muscat, Oman. These discreet discussions reportedly included a “half-step of flexibility” from the American side—an opening that paved the way for the announcement of a fifth round of formal negotiations, set to be hosted this Friday in Rome under Omani mediation.

According to a senior figure from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council—speaking to Kuwait’s Al-Jarida newspaper—the American delegation showed what was described as “partial flexibility” during the Muscat meeting. While unofficial and off the record, the session produced concrete results, including an agreement on the timing of the next, and notably difficult, round of nuclear talks.

The source reported that the unofficial U.S. delegation appeared to recognise Iran’s sovereign right to enrich uranium on its own soil, in accordance with international law. This marks a subtle but important shift, especially as hardliners in former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration had demanded a total halt to any uranium enrichment within Iran.

Iranian representatives at the meeting stressed that placing this issue—halting enrichment—on the negotiation table could derail the entire process. Tehran considers enrichment not only a national right but a red line. The Iranians also warned that when Washington broadcasts its positions through the media rather than through diplomatic channels, it creates domestic pressure on the Iranian negotiation team, making progress more difficult.

Crucially, the source revealed that the American side offered assurances. Statements made in public—even by Trump himself or his envoy Steve Witkoff—were described as posturing meant to absorb internal resistance to the talks within the Trump administration. Trump, the source claimed, aims to maintain his image as a “tough negotiator” while leaving space open for a deal. He is particularly cautious not to be seen as repeating the 2015 nuclear agreement, from which he withdrew in 2018.

The source also noted an unprecedented moment: the American side claimed that Trump had personally warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against any unilateral military action targeting Iran. Trump reportedly threatened “unimaginable consequences” if Israel launched a strike without full prior coordination, signalling his refusal to be dragged into war—unlike what occurred during previous administrations, including Joe Biden’s.

Following over five hours of dialogue, both sides relayed the outcome to their capitals. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi publicly announced the timing for the upcoming round, marking a rare point of agreement amid a sea of geopolitical tension.

Yet the negotiations remain fragile. After the announcement, Iranian lead negotiator Abbas Araghchi reportedly requested assurances from Oman that the United States would not raise the issue of stopping uranium enrichment during Friday’s session. “If they do,” Araghchi was quoted as saying, “it would waste everyone’s time,” especially after 39 days of diplomatic effort.

On Thursday, Foreign Minister al-Busaidi confirmed that the fifth round of Iran–U.S. negotiations will proceed on Friday in Rome.

This development came after initial hesitation from Araghchi, who had expressed reservations about participating. Nonetheless, he reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to dialogue and its decision not to withdraw from the diplomatic track.

Despite four rounds of intense negotiations aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for lifting economic sanctions, major obstacles remain. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had earlier cast doubt on whether such talks could ever bear fruit.

In a blunt statement directed at American officials, Khamenei said, “They must stop the nonsense. Those who speak of halting enrichment—may they be humiliated.”