Israel Watches Warily as US and Iran Warm to Direct Talks

After nuclear talks were held in Oman with mediation by the host country, the United States and Iran may be entering a new phase in negotiations. According to a report by Axios, the two sides are expected to meet again this Saturday—this time in Rome. Omani mediators will also be present, even though the talks will not be held on Omani soil. It was also reported that for the first time, senior members of the American and Iranian delegations may sit together in the same room. Additional reports overnight (Sunday to Monday) said that the U.S. administration was satisfied with the outcome of the discussions in Oman, which succeeded in enabling direct rather than indirect negotiations.

A ‘Substantive and Excellent’ Conversation

American envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke for 45 minutes on Saturday. The conversation was described as “substantive and excellent,” and reportedly marked the best exchange between the two sides in the past eight years. Witkoff later briefed President Trump on the content of the talks.

Still, the Iranians remain concerned about the possibility of another U.S. withdrawal from a future agreement, as occurred when Trump pulled out of the previous deal. The United States, for its part, continues to question Tehran’s intentions. Nevertheless, both sides view the continuation of talks as a potential step toward a future agreement.

Uranium Enrichment at 60%

The United States is calling on Iran to take a concrete step that would signal its willingness to step back from nuclear development—specifically, by diluting enriched uranium currently at a level of 60%. Iran, in response, has stated it wants sanctions against it lifted.

Israel is Skeptical

Witkoff also spoke with Minister Ron Dermer and updated him on the details of the discussions with Iran. Israel remains skeptical about the chances of success and continues to urge the Americans to maintain a military option in case the negotiations fail.

Meanwhile, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is expected to visit Tehran this week to discuss international oversight of Iran’s nuclear facilities.