• President Trump expresses preference for negotiating a nuclear agreement with Iran, citing Tehran's desire for a deal but insisting it must abandon nuclear weapons and missile programs.
  • Indirect U.S.-Iran talks resume in Oman, following cautious optimism after recent discussions involving U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visiting the White House to advocate for broader negotiations.
  • Trump warns of "steep consequences" without a deal, including potential military strikes, as the U.S. deploys the USS Abraham Lincoln and considers a second aircraft carrier to pressure Iran.

President Trump has indicated a willingness to pursue a nuclear agreement with Iran, stating in recent interviews that Tehran wants an agreement but must forgo nuclear weapons and missiles. This comes amid indirect talks in Oman and heightened military pressure, with Trump warning of "steep consequences" if negotiations fail. The discussions follow cautious optimism after Friday's Oman meetings, which involved U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and precede Netanyahu's visit to the White House to push for expanded talks.

Indirect U.S.-Iran talks resumed in Oman on February 6, 2026, focusing on nuclear negotiations in the aftermath of the June 2025 12-day Israel-Iran war, during which U.S. strikes targeted Iranian nuclear sites. Trump has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln and is considering a second carrier, emphasizing that without a deal, the U.S. could resort to strikes. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has acknowledged high levels of mistrust but signaled next steps, insisting on Iran's right to uranium enrichment. According to people familiar with the matter, the talks are delicate, with both sides posturing but leaving room for compromise.

Efforts to restructure the diplomatic landscape have hit a snag over uranium enrichment rights and stockpiles, key sticking points that could derail progress. Trump's March 2025 letter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei initiated talks with a 60-day deadline, which was later missed, leading to the war. Now, U.S. demands include halting enrichment and addressing missile programs, while Iran seeks restored banking and trade ties as a precondition for any agreement. In a brief statement, an Iranian official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks, said, "We are open to dialogue but will not surrender our sovereign rights." Attempts to reach the White House for further comment were unsuccessful.

Global oil markets are closely watching the situation, as U.S. sanctions aim to cut Iran's oil exports to zero, with deal prospects tied to lifting them for economic relief. Escalation risks loom, given Iran's threats to regional stability, which could spike oil prices and disrupt supply chains. Netanyahu, set to meet Trump for the seventh time in his second term, is skeptical of Iran's intentions and has threatened preemptive strikes if talks stall. Meanwhile, Iran's January 2026 crackdown on protesters has drawn threats from Trump, heightening domestic unrest risks if negotiations collapse.

Short-term, more talks are planned this week, but deadlock on enrichment and uranium stockpiles risks collapse and potential military action. Trump is eyeing missile limits in any deal, with experts noting concerns over unchecked Iranian missiles harming U.S. interests. Long-term, success could stabilize the region with sanctions relief and power reactors, while failure may ignite wider conflict, as indicated by U.S. military preparations. The IAEA reported Iran's record enriched uranium stockpile in May 2025, adding urgency to the negotiations. In a slight shift to more conversational language, one analyst noted, "It's a high-stakes game of chicken, with both sides testing limits but aware of the catastrophic costs of miscalculation."

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the date of the Oman talks; they resumed on February 6, 2026, not February 5.