Iran is signaling interest in indirect negotiations with the United States while strongly opposing any direct talks under pressure or threat of military action. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran prefers using Oman as an intermediary, a method previously relied on for backchannel communications between the two adversaries. The official emphasized that indirect talks would serve as a test of Washington’s genuine intent for a diplomatic resolution regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Despite rejecting former U.S. President Donald Trump's call for direct dialogue, Iran sees indirect diplomacy as a potential avenue to ease rising tensions. However, the same official cautioned that these discussions could face challenges, depending on U.S. messaging and approach. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has given limited authorization for negotiations, delegating the task to Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi or his deputy to participate in talks in Oman if they proceed.

These warnings come at a time of heightened instability across the Middle East, marked by military conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, and rising tensions between Iran and Israel. The specter of open conflict has made many Gulf nations uneasy, especially given their geographic proximity to Iran and their reliance on U.S. military alliances. With the Persian Gulf playing a critical role in global oil supply, any potential conflict would likely have major international repercussions.

Iran’s diplomatic maneuvers are also influenced by its relationship with Russia. While Russia has condemned U.S. threats of military action, Iran remains cautious about fully relying on Moscow. According to a second Iranian official, Tehran is uncertain whether Russia’s support is unconditional or dependent on broader geopolitical considerations, particularly the evolving dynamic between Putin and Trump. Meanwhile, Iran remains focused on avoiding a wider war while pursuing its interests through calculated diplomatic steps.

At the heart of the standoff lies Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Although Iran insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, the country has increased its enrichment levels to 60%—close to weapons-grade material—raising alarm among Western powers and the UN nuclear watchdog. Tehran has made it clear that while it is open to discussions about its nuclear activities, its missile program remains non-negotiable. With a narrow diplomatic window ahead and fears of unilateral action by Israel, Iran is racing to secure a deal—on its own terms—before the situation spirals further.