U.S. and Iran Set for Talks in Oman

Nytimes reports that Iranian and U.S. officials will meet in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Friday for their first face-to-face negotiations since the United States and Iran were at war last June, in an effort to avert another conflict. It is not clear whether the two sides agree on what they are willing to negotiate.

Middle Eastern leaders have pushed for the session to focus on Iran’s nuclear program, while the United States has demanded that Iran end its nuclear program and discard its enriched uranium stockpile, reduce the number and range of ballistic missiles, and end support for militant groups across the region.

Some Iranian officials indicated Tehran might offer a long-term suspension of its nuclear program in return for lifting longstanding sanctions, but regional diplomats said curbing missiles and monitoring support for allied militias present deep obstacles, and Iran is adamant it will not make concessions on ballistic missiles.

Oman, Muscat