US and Iran to Hold Nuclear Talks in Oman

The US and Iran are set to hold talks in Oman on Friday, despite recent tensions between the two countries. The US military shot down an Iranian drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, and Iranian forces threatened to seize a US-flagged tanker. The talks, which will be held in Muscat, Oman, are expected to be direct negotiations between the US and Iran without a third-party intermediary. The US is seeking to discuss not only Iran's nuclear program but also its ballistic missiles and regional actions. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the talks, referring to them as 'nuclear talks.' The US has built up its military presence near Iran in recent days, with the USS Abraham Lincoln and several destroyers deployed to the region.

The U.S. military shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. The drone was deemed to be 'aggressively' approaching the carrier, despite de-escalatory measures taken by U.S. forces. Hours later, Iranian forces harassed a U.S.-flagged oil tanker, Stena Imperative, in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. responded by escorting the tanker with a guided-missile destroyer and air support. The incidents highlight rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with the U.S. having recently built up its military presence in the region.

The US military shot down an Iranian drone over the Arabian Sea, which Iran claims was conducting a 'lawful' surveillance mission in international waters. The US Central Command stated that the drone 'aggressively approached' the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, prompting the US to shoot it down in self-defense. Iran's Tasnim News Agency countered that the drone was on a 'routine and lawful mission' and had transmitted reconnaissance photos before losing communication.

The US and Iran are engaged in nuclear talks that have been moved from Istanbul to Oman amid rising regional tensions. The US has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East, with aircraft carriers and other assets deployed throughout the region. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Iran demanded a venue change for the talks, which will now take place in Oman. The US is prepared to engage with Iran, but only if the talks address Iran's ballistic missile program, support for militant groups, and its treatment of its own people, in addition to its nuclear activities. The US has warned Iran against escalatory behavior and has shot down an Iranian drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Iran requested a change of venue for nuclear talks with the US. The talks were initially set to take place in Turkey, but Iran requested to hold them in Oman instead. Rubio stated that the US remains ready to engage with Iran, but emphasized that several issues need to be discussed, including Iran's ballistic missiles, sponsorship of terror organizations, nuclear program, and treatment of its people. The US shot down an Iranian drone that approached a US Navy aircraft carrier, and Iran claimed it was conducting surveillance in international waters. Rubio credited President Trump's tough talk with the cancellation of protesters' executions during anti-regime protests in Iran.