Mediation advances cautiously while Washington keeps military option firmly on the table.
Oman’s top diplomat expressed cautious optimism after high-level meetings in Washington aimed at advancing indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi traveled to Washington and met with US Vice President JD Vance following the latest round of indirect US-Iran discussions in Geneva. In a public statement after the meeting, Albusaidi said he shared details of the negotiations and the progress achieved so far, expressing appreciation for continued American engagement and stating that peace remains within reach.
The talks, mediated by Oman, are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear activities and broader regional tensions. Although no agreement was announced after Thursday’s discussions, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that technical-level talks will resume in Vienna next week. US officials speaking to Axios described the recent meeting as constructive.
President Donald Trump told reporters that additional talks with Iran are expected, but he emphasized that he has not yet made a decision regarding potential military action. While expressing dissatisfaction with Iran’s negotiating approach, Trump reiterated that all options remain on the table. He stated that although he prefers to avoid military force, circumstances can sometimes require it.
The diplomatic track now moves into another critical phase, with technical negotiations set to continue in Vienna. Whether momentum translates into a formal agreement remains uncertain. For regional actors closely monitoring the process, including Israel and Gulf states, the outcome will carry significant implications for security, deterrence, and the balance of power in the Middle East.
