Iran Calls for Major Shift in Nuclear Talks with U.S.
Tehran Demands Change of Venue and Format, Raising New Diplomatic Challenges
In a dramatic diplomatic twist just days before a highly anticipated meeting, Iran has called for significant changes to the structure and location of its planned nuclear negotiations with the United States. This move could reshape the future of one of the most consequential foreign policy issues of the moment.
Tehran’s latest demands come amid simmering regional tensions, mounting military postures, and fragile attempts by mediators to keep diplomacy alive. The standoff puts pressure on both governments to balance realpolitik and statesmanship as they confront one of the most sensitive geopolitical confrontations of the 21st century.
Background: The Nuclear Talks and Current Context
Talks between Iran and the United States have long been plagued by mistrust and competing strategic interests. Since the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and subsequent rounds of indirect negotiations, the nuclear issue has remained a flashpoint in Middle Eastern security dynamics.
Recent reports indicated that a new round of direct talks was scheduled for February 6 in Istanbul, Turkey, involving senior envoys from both sides and regional observers. However, Iran has now pushed back against that plan, demanding changes to both where and how these critical talks are to be held.
What Iran Is Demanding
Iran’s demands focus on two key changes:
1. Change of Venue
Iran wants to move the talks from Istanbul to the Sultanate of Oman, a country historically involved in mediating U.S.–Iran nuclear discussions. Tehran considers Oman more neutral and less politically charged than Istanbul, where regional actors could influence proceedings.
2. New Negotiation Format
Rather than a multilateral meeting involving several Arab and Muslim nations as observers, Iran wants negotiations to be strictly bilateral—between Iran and the United States only. They also seek to focus solely on nuclear issues, excluding broader regional security matters.
These changes mark a significant diplomatic shift, introducing operational and political complications just days before the scheduled talks.
Why Tehran Wants These Changes
Iran’s push reflects multiple motivations:
Greater diplomatic control: A bilateral format limits external influence, giving Iran more leverage in negotiations.
Preference for a neutral ground: Oman has a history of mediating successfully between Washington and Tehran.
Strategic signaling: Iran’s demands indicate dissatisfaction with previous agendas and an insistence on negotiations free from external bias.
U.S. and Regional Response
The United States has yet to formally respond to Iran’s demands, but officials have indicated ongoing diplomatic efforts. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed willingness to pursue dialogue while reinforcing military presence in the Middle East to maintain pressure.
Regional powers like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and the UAE advocate for a negotiated solution, concerned that a breakdown could escalate regional instability.
Potential Implications of the Shift
The timing and substance of Iran’s demands could have major implications:
Diplomatic risk: If talks are canceled or postponed, fragile progress could be undermined, raising the possibility of conflict.
Negotiation leverage: Iran may extract concessions or ensure that nuclear discussions remain separate from other contentious issues.
Regional fallout: Failure to reach an agreement could heighten mistrust among Middle Eastern states and strengthen hardliners on both sides.
The Broader Strategic Picture
Despite obstacles, both sides publicly express willingness to negotiate. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized “fair and equitable negotiations” without threats or unreasonable demands.
U.S. officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, continue to engage with regional partners to keep diplomacy alive. Turkey and other mediators are working to maintain the process despite disagreements over venue and format.
Conclusion
Iran’s demand for a major shift in nuclear talks—insisting on a new venue and a revised format—highlights the fragility and complexity of current diplomatic efforts.
While both sides maintain a public willingness to engage, the dispute underscores deeper strategic tensions that risk derailing negotiations, potentially threatening regional stability and the global non-proliferation framework.
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