The White House has confirmed that fresh diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran will take place in Oman, even as President Donald Trump’s administration maintains a firm demand that Tehran abandon any nuclear capability.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Muscat for the discussions, marking a shift from earlier expectations that the talks would be held in Turkey. She offered no detailed explanation for the change in venue but said it reflected the administration’s broader diplomatic strategy.

Leavitt emphasized that Trump prefers engagement before confrontation. “Diplomacy is always the president’s first option — whether dealing with allies or adversaries,” she told reporters. At the same time, she reiterated that Washington’s position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions remains uncompromising.

When asked about the agenda, Leavitt pointed directly to Trump’s stance. She said the president has been “very clear” that Iran must accept “zero nuclear capability” and that the upcoming talks would test whether a workable agreement is possible under those terms.

However, she coupled this with a stark warning, reminding Tehran that the United States retains powerful military options should diplomacy fail. “The president has many tools at his disposal as commander in chief,” she said, signaling that negotiations would take place under significant pressure.

The White House has sought to project a dual message — openness to dialogue alongside a hard security line. Leavitt said Trump was awaiting updates from his envoys after the Oman meeting but declined to outline possible compromises or timelines.

US–Iran relations have long been marked by cycles of engagement and confrontation, often mediated through third countries. Core disputes include Iran’s nuclear program, US sanctions, and Tehran’s regional influence across the Middle East.

Oman has played a recurring role as a neutral diplomatic channel, hosting back-channel contacts even during periods of deep hostility. Its selection as the venue underscores the sensitivity of the talks and the desire for quiet, indirect engagement.

As discussions begin, analysts say the gap between Washington’s maximalist nuclear demands and Iran’s security priorities remains wide, making any breakthrough uncertain.