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By Amira El-Fekki
Middle East News Reporter
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The United States and Iran are preparing for talks on Tehran's nuclear program in Oman to avert a possible military confrontation that could have devastating consequences far beyond the Middle East.
The talks follow President Donald's Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign of toughened sanctions on Iran and a build up of military force in the region. Trump has said he prefers to negotiate a deal, but will use force if need be.
Below are some key points to look out for around the talks:
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Direct or Indirect Negotiations?
The question of whether the talks will be direct or indirect still divides the parties.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said they will be direct talks and has said he believes the Iranians will agree.
However, Iranian officials have rejected Trump's request for direct engagement citing a lack of trust in the U.S. administration given its "maximum pressure" policy.
Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the talks would be conducted indirectly and "any other method of negotiation" will not be accepted.
Past rounds have seen reliance on intermediaries to navigate tensions. The dynamics of this communication could influence the talks' outcomes.
Who Will Take Part?
The talks scheduled for April 12 will include Araghchi and U.S. presidential envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, according to Iranian reports, with Oman as a mediator.
This is a marked difference from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that was designed to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. That deal with Iran was finalised not only by the United States, but also by China, Russia, Britain, France, Germany and the European Union.
Trump withdrew from it in 2018 during his first term, saying it was not tough enough.
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Military Readiness
The U.S. has increased its military presence in the region, deploying B-2 bombers and an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Carl Vinson to join the USS Harry S. Truman, which is already in the Red Sea and operating against Iran-backed Houthis.
Iran has heightened its defense readiness, repeatedly affirming its forces are prepared for any attack.
Tehran has also showcased its advanced air defense and missile systems, and conducted drills with Russia and China, warning that it may pursue nuclear weapons if provoked.
U.S. Allies
Israel plays a central role in the U.S. strategy in the Middle East, particularly in its shared security efforts against Iranian influence.
Israel has been vocal in escalating concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions, often pushing for stronger measures to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
"We're both united in the goal that Iran does not ever get nuclear weapons", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday in a press conference with Trump.
The U.S. maintains strong military ties with Israel, supporting its operations against Iranian proxies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, while also fostering defense collaboration and intelligence sharing.
Alongside Israel, the U.S. has deepened its alliances with Gulf Arab states—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain—through strategic partnerships that counterbalance Iran's growing regional influence.
European nations are concerned by Iran's nuclear progress and face pressure from the U.S. and Israel to adopt a tougher stance.
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Risk of a Wider War
As sanctions have tightened and hurt Iran's economy, it has increasingly leaned on Russia and China for support.
This growing axis between Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing is seen as a strategic response to U.S.-led pressure, ensuring Iran has influential allies as it navigates isolation from the West.
But Moscow has said it is not obliged to help Iran if it faces a U.S. attack, potentially dampening some of Iran's bargaining power.
Iran's Nuclear Escalation
Tehran has been escalating its nuclear activities, with the International Atomic Energy Agency warning that Iran's recent enrichment levels are nearing bomb-grade — much higher than is needed for most power generating reactors.
While Iran says that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the potential for weaponization remains a major concern for the West, propelling the push for renewed talks.
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