Iran hints at long-term nuclear pause as US talks begin in Oman: Report
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- Iran may consider long-term pause on nuclear program to secure US sanctions relief.
- US warns citizens to leave Iran amid heightened security and communication restrictions.
Three Iranian officials told The New York Times that Tehran is considering a long-term suspension of its nuclear program, a significant move aimed at exchanging the pause for relief from US sanctions.
Direct negotiations in Muscat
The leaks come as direct talks between Iran and the United States began in Muscat on Friday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi leads a high-level delegation after departing Tehran on Thursday in what officials describe as a “last-ditch effort” to revive the stalled nuclear deal.
In a statement emphasizing its commitment, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it has a “national and ethical responsibility” to seize all diplomatic opportunities to protect its interests and ensure regional stability.
Security escalation shadows diplomacy
The diplomatic shift coincides with a sharp security escalation. On Friday, the US Embassy in Iran issued an urgent warning, advising its citizens to leave the country immediately by land via Armenia or Turkey, without relying on government assistance. The advisory cited heightened security measures and communication blackouts.
The embassy highlighted Tehran’s imposition of a “digital isolation,” including internet restrictions and limited phone networks, alongside reduced flight availability, adding pressure to the ongoing talks in Muscat.
Military pressure looms
The negotiations unfold under intense military pressure, with Washington deploying substantial forces to the region and signaling the potential for strikes if Iran rejects a comprehensive deal covering nuclear, missile, and regional policies. The leaked Iranian proposal of a “long-term pause” in its nuclear program could become a central point for averting a full-scale confrontation.
