US-Iran Negotiations Conclude as Trump Prepares for Landmark Middle East Trip

JERUSALEM—As President Donald Trump prepares to embark on a significant journey to the Middle East, the fourth round of negotiations between the United States and Iran wrapped up in Oman on Sunday. These discussions largely focused on Iran’s controversial nuclear weapons program.

Just a day before the negotiations commenced, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei incited a crowd in Tehran by welcoming chants of “Death to America.” He affirmed their sentiments, stating, “Your judgment is right,” which underscores the ongoing tension between the two nations.

Challenges Ahead in Nuclear Talks

Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, characterized the nuclear discussions as both challenging and productive. A U.S. official, who preferred to remain unnamed to discuss the private negotiations, provided additional context. The talks involved a mix of direct and indirect interactions, as reported by The Associated Press.

The U.S. official articulated optimism, saying, “An agreement was reached to move forward with the talks to continue working through technical elements. We are encouraged by today’s outcome and look forward to our next meeting, which will happen in the near future.” This sentiment points to a cautious hope for progress.

Trump’s Timeline and Stance on Iran

President Trump set a 60-day deadline to secure an agreement regarding Iran’s illicit atomic weapons program. Initial U.S.-Iran negotiations began on April 12. Mardo Soghom, an esteemed Iran analyst and journalist, highlighted that Iran’s regime aims to protect its uranium enrichment rights, essential for nuclear weapon production, while navigating U.S. opposition.

“Iran is trying to save its enrichment operation at a lower level while also resisting pressures to abandon its anti-Israel posture. Khamenei’s Saturday address clarified that position. The primary focus remains on dismantling Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities,” Soghom explained to Fox News Digital.

Escalating Tensions and Repercussions

In his speech, Khamenei also attacked Israel’s military efforts to eliminate Iran-aligned Hamas militants in Gaza. He insisted, “The people of Gaza are not fighting Israel alone—they contend with America and Britain.” This statement signifies Iran’s enduring commitment to its regional alliances amid rising tensions.

According to Jason Brodsky, policy director for United Against Nuclear Iran, the Iranian side appears more pessimistic regarding the negotiations. This viewpoint aligns with their historical hesitance in overcoming substantial obstacles in discussions with the U.S.

Past Agreements and Current Dynamics

The negotiations come in the wake of Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was intended to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear program. Critics argue that the deal failed to adequately constrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, recently reiterated that an agreement allowing any form of uranium enrichment is off the table. In a prior interview, he remarked, “First of all, we’re never doing a JCPOA deal where sanctions come off and there are no sunsetting of their obligations. We believe they cannot have enrichment, centrifuges, or anything that allows them to build a weapon. That was not the JCPOA, and that will never happen in this deal.”

The Importance of Sustaining Dialogue

Brodsky emphasized that both parties are eager to maintain dialogue. He noted, “The Iranians will typically say and do enough to earn another meeting, as they risk more if this process collapses than the U.S. government does. The negotiation process is as critical to the Iranians as the outcome, giving them a buffer against sanctions and shielding them from military strikes.”

“This is why Iran seeks to prolong these negotiations. They intend to exhaust U.S. negotiators into making concessions, which the Trump administration should resist. The president has indicated that Tehran does not possess the upper hand in these discussions,” Brodsky remarked.

The Enrichment Debate

The contentious issue of uranium enrichment has haunted U.S.-Iran talks for decades. European nations faced backlash for permitting Iran’s enrichment capabilities during initial negotiations in the early 2000s.

Brodsky highlighted the critical misstep in U.S. policy that occurred when the Obama administration transitioned from a zero-enrichment stance to tolerating a 3.67% enrichment threshold. This shift has allowed Iran to leverage its nuclear capabilities to extract concessions from the U.S.

The Need for a New Approach

The nuclear expert posited, “Today’s discussions should signal the end of that era. Recent comments from Trump, Witkoff, and other officials indicate a potential shift in policy. Bipartisan consensus in Congress over this issue has also been clear.”

While Iran seeks a sustainable deal, a hypothetical JCPOA 2.0 that endorses enrichment at a limited level would not satisfy U.S. restrictions.

Brodsky concluded, “The Iranians are employing various strategies to disguise a continuation of earlier concessions that should remain unacceptable to U.S. negotiators.”

Khamenei’s support base, notably represented through the anti-American outlet Kayhan, criticized Trump, branding him as a figure driven by narcissism and threat-based tactics.

The latest round of negotiations in Muscat, Oman, lasted approximately three hours. Baghaei confirmed that discussions regarding the timing of a future gathering are ongoing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.