Iran and the United States are set to engage in indirect high-level talks in Muscat, Oman on Saturday, focusing exclusively on nuclear issues, according to Iranian media reports.

The discussions will be mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, signaling a renewed effort at diplomacy amid rising tensions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, leading the delegation from Tehran, reaffirmed that the dialogue would remain strictly limited to nuclear matters. “Iran has repeatedly emphasised that it will not accept threats in these talks and will only discuss the nuclear issue on the basis of win-win negotiations,” reported Tasnim News Agency.

Araghchi stated that if the U.S. shows the “necessary and sufficient” political will, an agreement remains possible. He added that Iran’s nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and legitimate, and Iran remains open to clarifying any ambiguity surrounding its activities.

US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will represent Washington in the indirect negotiations. Speaking to IRNA, Araghchi noted that “If the other party comes to the negotiating table with [an attitude of] equal footing, there will be a chance for an initial understanding that would mark a path for the negotiations.”

The talks come amid escalating rhetoric. In a March interview with NBC News, U.S. President Donald Trump warned of “unprecedented military strikes” should Iran refuse to negotiate.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015 between Iran and six global powers, including the U.S., imposed limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. However, the U.S. exited the deal in 2018 under the Trump administration, reimposing sanctions. Iran responded by scaling back its commitments under the pact. Recent efforts to revive the deal have yielded little progress.

These Muscat talks could be a key moment in determining whether the nuclear accord can be salvaged or further deteriorates amid rising geopolitical tensions.