07-02-2026

US and Iran Continue High-Stakes Nuclear Talks

Date: 07-02-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 2 | cbsnews.com: 1 | foxnews.com: 4 | news.sky.com: 1 | nypost.com: 1 | straitstimes.com: 1
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Image Source:

Source: foxnews.com

Image content: The image depicts a scene of diplomatic interaction between three men in a formal setting. * Three men standing in a room with ornate furnishings and decor: * The man on the left is wearing a black suit, white shirt, and red tie. * The man in the middle is dressed in a blue suit, white shirt, and purple tie, shaking hands with the man on the right. * The man on the right is attired in traditional Arabic clothing, consisting of a white robe and headscarf. * The background features a wall adorned with a large gold-framed portrait of two men, flanked by two blue and gold patterned chairs on either side. * The overall atmosphere suggests a formal meeting or diplomatic encounter. The image shows three men in a formal setting, with two men shaking hands in the center, surrounded by ornate furnishings and decor. The man on the right is dressed in traditional Arabic attire, while the other

Summary

The US and Iran are engaged in indirect talks in Oman, mediated by the Omani government, with a focus on Iran's nuclear program and easing tensions between the two nations. Despite threats and counter-threats, both sides have expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations, with the US seeking concessions on Iran's nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile program.

Key Points

  • US and Iranian officials held indirect talks in Oman, focusing on Iran's nuclear program
  • Talks come amid heightened tensions and threats of military action by the US
  • Iran has expressed openness to concessions on its nuclear program, but rejects US demands on ballistic missiles and regional armed groups
  • US has imposed new sanctions on Iran's oil exports and signed an executive order enabling tariffs on countries doing business with Iran
  • Both sides have expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations, with expectations of a breakthrough remaining low

Articles in this Cluster

Talks with US set to continue after 'good beginning', Iran's foreign minister says

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that talks with the US will continue after a 'good beginning' in Oman-mediated discussions, focusing exclusively on nuclear issues. The talks come amid heightened tensions between the two countries, with the US having sent thousands of troops to the region and threatening to bomb Iran if no deal is reached. Iranian officials have indicated openness to concessions on their nuclear program, but reject US demands to limit their ballistic missile program and support for regional armed groups. The negotiations could provide an off-ramp for US President Donald Trump from his military threats and potentially avert US military action against Iran.
Entities: Abbas Araghchi, Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump, Oman, IranTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump signs executive order threatening tariffs for countries trading with Iran

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order threatening to impose tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Iran. The order does not specify the rate but uses 25% as an example. It comes as talks between senior US and Iranian officials continue in Oman, following several weeks of threats from both sides. The US has also sanctioned 15 entities for trading in Iranian-origin crude oil. Iran's economy is already under extensive sanctions, and its biggest export partner is China. Trump has stated that Iran 'looks like it wants to make a deal very badly' and warned of 'very steep' consequences if they don't.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, United States, Oman, ChinaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran says talks with U.S. to continue, but adds mistrust to be addressed as Trump's threats linger - CBS News

Iran and the US held indirect talks in Oman on Friday, with the US represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Iran represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The talks focused on finding a framework for further negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, but were marked by mistrust and tension due to recent threats from President Trump. The US brought its top military commander in the Middle East, U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, to the talks, serving as a reminder of the US military presence in the region. Iranian officials expressed cautious optimism, but emphasized the need to address mistrust before proceeding with negotiations.
Entities: Iran, United States, Oman, Muscat, TehranTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

American, Iranian officials arrive in Oman for indirect nuclear talks | Fox News

American and Iranian officials are holding indirect nuclear talks in Oman, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that the negotiations were 'a good start' and would continue. The talks, facilitated by Oman, come amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, particularly after the US bombed Tehran's nuclear facilities in 2025. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Oman's foreign minister, while Iranian representatives met with their Omani counterpart. The negotiations focus on resuming diplomatic and technical talks to achieve sustainable security and stability. The US and Iran have been at odds over Iran's nuclear program, with the US demanding zero nuclear capability from Iran.
Entities: Abbas Araghchi, Oman, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Badr al-BusaidiTone: neutralSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Iran seizes foreign oil tankers, accused of fuel smuggling hours before US talks | Fox News

Iran seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, accusing them of fuel smuggling and detaining 15 foreign crew members, ahead of high-stakes U.S.–Iran talks in Oman. The seizures come as Iranian rhetoric toward the U.S. has grown hostile, with former Iranian minister Ezzatollah Zarghami threatening violence in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to meet Iranian officials in Oman on Friday.
Entities: Iran, United States, Oman, Persian Gulf, Strait of HormuzTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Lindsey Graham ends meeting over Lebanese official's Hezbollah terrorist refusal | Fox News

US Senator Lindsey Graham abruptly ended a meeting with Lebanese Chief of Defense General Rodolphe Haykal after Haykal refused to label Hezbollah a terrorist organization. Graham expressed frustration with Lebanon's stance on Hezbollah, citing its history of terrorism and American casualties. Experts warn that Lebanon's failure to recognize Hezbollah as a terrorist organization undermines efforts to disarm the group and secure international aid.
Entities: Lindsey Graham, Rodolphe Haykal, Hezbollah, Lebanon, IranTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces criticism over Iran IRGC ban delay | Fox News

The UK's Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is facing criticism for delaying the ban on Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Critics argue that this delay allows Iranian influence operations to continue in the UK, citing the example of the Islamic Center of England, which has been accused of selling merchandise supporting terrorism, including Hezbollah phone cases and pro-Iranian regime key rings. Experts warn that the center is a regime outpost used to peddle Iranian influence and recruit individuals for training. The UK's Charity Commission has been investigating the center for five years without decisive action, raising concerns about the government's ability to counter Iranian influence and terrorism.
Entities: Keir Starmer, Iran, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Islamic Center of England, Potkin AzarmehrTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique

Iran and US to begin high-stakes talks amid fears of conflict | World News | Sky News

The US and Iran are set to hold high-stakes talks in Oman amid escalating tensions and fears of conflict. The discussions come after weeks of threatened military action by the US, led by President Donald Trump, in response to Iran's crackdown on protesters. The US is sending its Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to meet with Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi. The talks are expected to focus on Iran's nuclear ambitions, with the US and Israel accusing Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Expectations of a breakthrough are low, and analysts warn that military conflict is likely.
Entities: Iran, US, Donald Trump, Oman, Steve WitkoffTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

US, India release framework for an interim trade agreement to reduce Trump tariffs

The US and India have released a framework for an interim trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs on Indian goods imposed by the Trump administration. The deal, described as 'reciprocal and mutually beneficial,' involves lowering US tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18% and India reducing or eliminating tariffs on US industrial goods and agricultural products. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump expressed commitment to a broader trade deal. The agreement has been criticized by Indian opposition parties for favoring the US, while the Indian Trade Minister argued it protects sensitive sectors and will boost exports and job creation.
Entities: United States, India, Donald Trump, Narendra Modi, Piyush GoyalTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

US talks with Iran ‘very good’, more negotiations expected, says Trump | The Straits Times

US President Donald Trump stated that the US held 'very good talks' with Iran in Oman, with both sides agreeing to continue negotiations. The talks, mediated by Oman, focused on Iran's nuclear program, with the US also seeking Tehran's backing on militant groups and its ballistic missile program. Despite the positive atmosphere, the US announced new sanctions against Iran's oil exports and signed an executive order enabling tariffs on countries doing business with Iran.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, Oman, United States, Steve WitkoffTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform