Iran and the United States are scheduled to meet for nuclear discussions in Muscat, Oman, on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Araghchi said in a post on X. "Nuclear talks with the United States are scheduled to be held in Muscat on about 10 am Friday. Im grateful to our Omani brothers for making all necessary arrangements," Araghchi wrote.
The meetings logistics were uncertain earlier in the week after Iran sought to move the talks from Istanbul to Oman and asked that the sessions be strictly bilateral and limited to nuclear matters, excluding other topics such as missiles. U.S. officials initially pushed back against the change of venue.
That stance shifted following urgent representations from regional governments. At least nine Middle Eastern countries lobbied Washington to keep the meeting on the calendar, concerned that canceling the talks could raise the risk of military action by President Trump. One U.S. official said, "They asked us to keep the meeting and listen to what the Iranians have to say. We have told the Arabs that we will do the meeting if they insist. But we are very skeptical."
A second U.S. official said the administration agreed to the Muscat meeting "to be respectful" to regional allies and "in order to continue pursuing the diplomatic track."
The announcement produced immediate moves in financial markets. Various assets experienced volatility, with oil prices initially spiking on the news before trimming gains later in the day.
This development leaves several variables in play: the agreed venue and the narrower agenda reflect Irans negotiating priorities, while the U.S. decision to proceed illustrates the influence of allied governments in shaping diplomatic options. Market reactions underscored how sensitive energy and financial markets remain to shifts in regional diplomacy and perceived risks.
Note: Reporting is limited to the information released by Iranian officials and statements from U.S. officials referenced in available accounts. No additional details about participants, agenda items beyond the nuclear focus, or outcomes were provided.