US and Iran hold indirect nuclear talks in Oman
U.S. and Iran negotiate nuclear limits through Omani mediation
The talks took place Friday, February 6, 2026, in Muscat, Oman. This was the first round of nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran the previous summer.
The talks were split into two stages within the same day, with Omani mediators shuttling between the delegations. While formally structured as indirect, Axios reported that Witkoff and Kushner met face-to-face with Araghchi during the session.
Key People
5
Abbas Araghchi
Iran's Foreign Minister
Araghchi led Iran's delegation in the indirect talks with the U.S. in Muscat. He's a career diplomat who helped negotiate the 2015 nuclear deal. Araghchi called the current talks 'a good start' and said Iran focused solely on nuclear issues, not broader regional conflicts. He'll report to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who has final authority on nuclear policy.
Steve Witkoff
U.S. Special Envoy
Witkoff is Trump's special envoy for the Middle East. He's a real estate investor and longtime Trump friend with no diplomatic experience. Trump sent him to lead the U.S. delegation in Oman talks. His appointment shows Trump's preference for loyalists over career diplomats in sensitive negotiations.
Jared Kushner
Trump's son-in-law, former Senior Advisor
Kushner joined the U.S. delegation in Oman despite no longer holding an official government position. He served as Senior Advisor during Trump's first term and worked on Middle East policy. His presence signals Trump's reliance on family members for sensitive diplomatic missions. It also creates potential conflicts of interest given Kushner's business dealings in the region.
Brad Cooper
Commander, U.S. Central Command
Admiral Cooper is the most senior U.S. military commander for the Middle East. His participation in diplomatic talks is unusual. It signals the U.S. is considering military options if negotiations fail. Cooper can assess Iranian positions and update contingency plans. His presence also conveys deterrence - Iran knows the commander who would lead any military action is listening to their positions.
Donald Trump
President
Trump controls U.S. nuclear diplomacy with Iran. He can pursue talks, impose sanctions, or authorize military action without congressional approval for initial operations. Trump warned Iran faces 'very steep' consequences without a deal. He uses threats to back up U.S. negotiators. Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term and now seeks a new agreement.