The scheduled talks between Iran and the United States, which were set to take place on Friday, appear to be heading toward a complete diplomatic deadlock, according to information cited by Axios. Despite initial indications that there was an agreed framework, the latest developments show that both sides are in open conflict over the location, format and agenda of the contacts. Washington reportedly issued a clear ultimatum to Tehran, making it clear that either the talks would proceed as originally agreed or not at all – a development that casts a heavy shadow over the already fragile relations between the two countries.
Read: Trump on Iran: I hope we reach an agreement – Statements after Khamenei’s warnings
Iran-US talks: The showdown over location
The talks were initially scheduled to take place in Istanbul, with the participation of other Middle Eastern countries in an observer role. However, on Tuesday, the Iranian side requested their transfer to Oman and that they be conducted in a purely bilateral format. This request was linked to Tehran’s desire to limit the discussion exclusively to its nuclear program, avoiding issues such as missiles, which are a key priority for the US and regional countries.
Iran-US talks and Washington’s tough message
American officials considered the request to change the location but ultimately rejected it. A senior official characteristically stated that the US response was “either this way or not at all,” with the Iranian side responding “then nothing.” Meanwhile, Washington conveys that it remains open to talks provided Iran returns to the original framework, while recalling Donald Trump’s repeated threats of alternative options, including military ones.
