7 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

International RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Iran and US hold indirect nuclear talks in Oman

Iran and the U.S. held indirect talks in Oman regarding nuclear program.

Iran and the United States engaged in indirect negotiations in Oman, focusing on Iran's nuclear program. These talks occurred amidst heightened tensions, including threats of military action from Washington and recent sanctions against Iranian shipping entities. The discussions, mediated by Oman, were the first between the two countries since the U.S.

military strikes on nuclear sites in Iran in June 2025. While Iran's delegation focused solely on the nuclear program, the U.S. delegation also sought discussions on Iran's support for militant groups, its ballistic missile program, and its treatment of protesters.

Key Facts

Iran and the U.S. held indirect negotiations in Oman.

The talks focused on Iran's nuclear program.

The U.S. delegation also wanted to discuss Iran's backing for militant groups, its ballistic missile program, and treatment of protesters.

The talks were the first between the two foes since the U.S. joined Israel’s war with Iran in June 2025 with strikes on nuclear sites.

The U.S. announced new sanctions against shipping entities aimed at curbing Iran's oil exports shortly after the talks.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: International Relations - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.

Connects to India's energy security interests and its relations with Iran and the US.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs on JCPOA, analytical questions on the implications of the US withdrawal from the agreement.

Visual Insights

Location of Iran-US Nuclear Talks

Shows the location of Oman, where indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the US took place.

Loading interactive map...

📍Oman📍Iran📍United States

More Information

Background

The recent indirect talks between Iran and the US are part of a long history of complex relations, marked by periods of cooperation and conflict. The Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), signed in 2015, aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. This agreement was a culmination of years of diplomatic efforts involving several world powers. However, the situation changed significantly when the US unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. This decision led to increased tensions and a gradual unraveling of the agreement. The withdrawal was based on concerns about Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for regional proxies, issues not directly addressed in the original nuclear deal. The concept of sovereignty plays a key role here, as both nations assert their right to pursue their national interests. Several UN Security Council Resolutions, including UNSC Resolution 2231, are relevant to the Iran nuclear issue. These resolutions outline the international legal framework for Iran's nuclear activities and the associated sanctions regime. The role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is also crucial in monitoring Iran's compliance with its nuclear commitments. The broader geopolitical context, including regional rivalries and the involvement of other actors like Saudi Arabia and Israel, further complicates the situation. These regional dynamics often influence the negotiating positions of both Iran and the US, making it difficult to achieve a lasting resolution. The principle of multilateralism, or the lack thereof, is central to understanding the success or failure of diplomatic efforts.

Latest Developments

In recent years, efforts to revive the JCPOA have faced numerous obstacles. The change in US administration in 2021 brought renewed hope for a return to the agreement, but negotiations have stalled due to disagreements over sanctions relief and verification mechanisms. The concept of reciprocity, where both sides take simultaneous steps, has been difficult to implement. Iran's nuclear program has continued to advance, raising concerns among Western powers and Israel. The IAEA has reported that Iran is enriching uranium to levels far beyond those permitted under the JCPOA. This has led to increased calls for a stronger international response, including the possibility of renewed sanctions or even military action. The principle of non-proliferation is at the heart of these concerns. The ongoing tensions have also affected regional stability, with increased incidents of maritime attacks and proxy conflicts. The US has maintained a military presence in the region to deter Iran and its allies. The concept of deterrence is a key element of US strategy in the Middle East. The recent talks in Oman represent a renewed effort to de-escalate tensions and find a diplomatic solution. Looking ahead, the future of the Iran nuclear issue remains uncertain. A successful resolution will require both Iran and the US to make compromises and address each other's concerns. The role of other regional and international actors will also be crucial in shaping the outcome. The concept of peaceful resolution of disputes, as enshrined in the UN Charter, should guide future efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the main focus of the indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. in Oman?

The talks primarily focused on Iran's nuclear program.

2. Besides the nuclear program, what other issues did the U.S. delegation want to discuss with Iran?

The U.S. delegation also sought discussions on Iran's support for militant groups, its ballistic missile program, and its treatment of protesters.

3. When was the last time Iran and the U.S. held talks before the Oman negotiations, and what event preceded it?

The talks in Oman were the first between the two countries since the U.S. military strikes on nuclear sites in Iran in June 2025.

4. What is the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), and why is it relevant to the current talks?

The Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), signed in 2015, aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Efforts to revive the JCPOA have faced numerous obstacles, making it relevant to current discussions.

5. What is the concept of reciprocity in the context of the Iran nuclear deal negotiations?

Reciprocity, in this context, refers to the idea that both sides (Iran and the U.S.) should take simultaneous steps to return to compliance with the nuclear deal. This has been difficult to implement due to disagreements over sanctions relief and verification mechanisms.

6. Why are the indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. considered important?

These talks are important because they address Iran's nuclear program amidst heightened tensions and threats of military action. They represent a diplomatic effort to de-escalate the situation, although challenges remain.

7. What are the potential implications of the U.S. imposing new sanctions on Iranian shipping entities shortly after the talks?

New sanctions could further strain relations between Iran and the U.S., potentially complicating future negotiations and increasing tensions in the region.

8. How might the indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. impact regional stability?

Successful talks could de-escalate tensions and promote regional stability. Failure could lead to further conflict and instability, especially considering the ongoing conflicts in the region.

9. From an Indian perspective, what are the potential benefits and drawbacks of a revived Iran nuclear deal?

A revived deal could ease sanctions on Iran, potentially boosting India's access to Iranian oil and trade opportunities. However, increased regional instability due to failed talks could negatively impact India's interests.

10. Why is this news about Iran and US talks in Oman considered HIGH importance for UPSC preparation?

This news falls under International Relations, a crucial part of the UPSC syllabus. It involves key concepts like nuclear proliferation, diplomacy, and geopolitics, and can be linked to broader questions about India's foreign policy and energy security.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA): 1. The JCPOA was signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 countries (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States). 2. Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. 3. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is responsible for monitoring Iran's compliance with the JCPOA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. Statement 1 is CORRECT: The JCPOA was indeed signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 countries. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment program in exchange for sanctions relief. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The IAEA is responsible for monitoring Iran's compliance with the agreement.

2. Which of the following countries mediated the recent indirect talks between Iran and the United States regarding Iran's nuclear program?

A.Qatar
B.Oman
C.Switzerland
D.Iraq

Show Answer

Answer: B

Oman mediated the recent indirect talks between Iran and the United States. The summary explicitly states that the discussions were mediated by Oman.

3. Assertion (A): The United States withdrew from the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) in 2018. Reason (R): The US cited concerns about Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for regional proxies, issues not directly addressed in the JCPOA. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C.A is true, but R is false
D.A is false, but R is true

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why the US withdrew from the JCPOA. The US withdrawal was indeed motivated by concerns beyond the scope of the nuclear agreement itself.