U.S. and Iran hold first direct nuclear talks in years as Trump pushes diplomacy

American and Iranian officials He sat down for the first round of direct conversations on Saturday in Oman, a big step after years of increasing tension and stopped diplomacy that would continue with further discussions next weekend, according to a statement published by the White House.

Meeting between American Special Envoy Steven Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was the first face -to -face exchange from President Donald Trump He returned to the office as Iran continues to spread his nuclear program.

The White House described the discussions as “very positive and constructive,” adding, “the United States thanks deeply thank Sultanat Oman for their support for this initiative.”

Witkoff, who was joined by US Ambassador to Oman Ana Escrogi, Argeghchi said Trump had personally He instructed him to try to solve the differences through diplomacy, if possible.

Delegates from Iran, we hold conversations in Oman in the midst of tension in progress: what to know

The conversations took place on the outskirts of Oman capital, Muscat and lasted just over two hours. Omani Foreign Minister said Badr hosted the meeting.

Iranian state TV later confirmed that the sides had exchanged several rounds of messages, and there was a short, direct conversation between American and Iranian diplomats.

Military pressure seems to be a great reason for Iran to reach the table. Rebecca Grant, an older associate at the Lexington Institute, said “Fox report” on Saturday, now sent a clear signal by moving powerful military assets in the region.

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“All possibilities are not just on the table. Everyone is allocated to the Middle East,” Grant said. “Somewhere between four and six B-2 concealed bombers [are] Forward in Diego Garcia, [along with] Two aircraft carriers. It really attracted Iranian attention. “

Grant said Iran is now facing a choice.

“Iran has to talk or bombard their nuclear institutions,” she said.

The tensions between the two countries have been high since 2018, when Trump has now pulled out of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

This agreement was set by the strict limitations of the Iranian nuclear program. Since then, Iran has enriched Uranus at much higher levels. The latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says that Iran enriches Urana up to 60% of the purity, just below the weapon range, and the stock is over £ 18,000. According to the original agreement, Iran was limited to 3.67% of purity and much less supplies.

While US intelligence agencies Do not believe that Iran has started building a nuclear weapon, warning that the earth is approaching that it can do so if it decides.

General Jack Keane, a Fox News military analyst, said Iranian leaders now believe that Trump is serious about using military force if they do not agree to limit the Iranian nuclear program.

“They came to the conclusion that the president was serious about supporting the strike that was under the guidance of Israel to Iran to take off his nuclear company,” Keane said.

Grant explained that the United States and his allies are ready for such a strike if the conversations fail.

“Israel pulled out a lot of airline defense last year,” she said. “Then you have two [U.S.] Brackets, land fighters in the region and bombraards B-2 with bombs blowing bunker. It is a threat display. “

She added that Iran has no real need to enrich Uranus because it can buy nuclear fuel in the open market.

“It’s time for them to start arranging,” she said. “And I think, maybe, because of our military pressure and Trump’s determination, they start to understand.”

Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said he was not open to direct negotiations on nuclear program but he also blamed the United States to break through past promises.

“They have to prove that they can build confidence,” Pezeshkian said at a recent cabinet meeting.

A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Esmail Baghaei warned of the consequences if the threats of teaching were continued.

“Violence gives birth to violence, peace is born of peace,” he wrote on social media. “Now I can choose the course … and to admit the consequences.”

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox News that it could not happen if Iran does not give up his nuclear weapons plans.

“We must fully, verifiablely eliminate our nuclear weapon program to exist any agreement,” he said. “All we ask is to act like a normal nation.”

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Grant said that every future contract would need strict conditions.

“She’ll have to include real inspections,” she said. “They will have to include them, honestly, some of that enriched Uranus. There will be some limitations in the development of their ballistic rocket.”

The two countries should meet again on April 19 in Oman, according to a white house statement.

Fox News Digital, Bradford Betz and Associated Press, contributed to this report.