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By Amir Daftari
News Reporter
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Iran's newspapers have offered sharply contrasting headlines ahead of high-stakes nuclear talks with the United States in Oman, exposing deep divisions between conservative and reformist factions over the prospects for diplomacy.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are expected to lead their respective delegations in the upcoming talks, with both sides aiming to find common ground on key nuclear and security issues.
Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and Iran's foreign ministry for comment.
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Why It Matters
The upcoming talks in Oman are the latest in a series of diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) under President Donald Trump. While previous efforts stalled, the new round may help revive momentum for a broader diplomatic reset.
Iranian opinion remains split. Hardliners see the U.S. as unreliable, citing its withdrawal from the JCPOA. Reformists argue renewed dialogue is essential for easing sanctions and stabilizing the economy. The press headlines reflect this divide and as Iranian and American negotiators prepare to meet, the tone of coverage could shape public opinion and signal how much political room Iran's government has to maneuver.
Conservatives Warn Against U.S. Deception
Leading the charge from the right, the hardline Kayhan newspaper headlined, "Experience Shows America Will Not Act on Its Commitments." The publication, known for its close ties to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, framed the talks as yet another round of predictable Western duplicity. Its headline suggested deep institutional suspicion toward any outcome involving the United States.
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Similarly, Javan, a conservative outlet affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, ran a front page with a photo of both Araghchi and Witkoff, coupled with the more measured headline: "We Must See the Will for an Agreement." While slightly less combative than Kayhan, Javan still conveyed conditional skepticism, framing Washington's intentions as unclear and demanding visible signs of commitment before endorsing the process.
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Reformist Media Signals Hope for Diplomacy
In contrast, reformist newspapers struck a more optimistic tone. Etemad declared: "The Market's Smile to Negotiations," suggesting that even the Iranian economy, long battered by U.S. sanctions, was reacting positively to news of revived diplomacy. The headline also implied broader public support for negotiations that could ease international pressure and economic hardship.
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Meanwhile, Sazandegi emphasized the seriousness of the diplomatic effort with its headline: "Negotiations at a High Level." The reformist daily's coverage appeared to welcome the talks as a meaningful step forward, stressing the seniority of the delegations and the potential for substantive dialogue.
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What Happens Next
The talks between Iran and the U.S. are set to begin Saturday in Oman, but the two sides differ significantly in their approach. While the U.S. has stated that the negotiations will be direct, Iran has insisted that they will be indirect. The conflicting expectations regarding the format of the talks highlight the challenges ahead, and the outcome could shape the future of U.S.-Iran relations and the potential for a revived nuclear agreement.
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