U.S.-Iran Indirect Nuclear Talks to Resume This Weekend

The fourth round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program is set to begin this weekend in Oman.

According to a report by Reuters, the discussions are likely to commence on May 11 and are expected to span two days. Citing Iranian media, the report stated that the talks will continue to be held in Oman, who will also mediate the talks, with U.S. envoy for Iran negotiations Steve Witkoff reportedly supporting the decision to move forward this weekend.

This round of negotiations was originally scheduled for May 3 but was postponed. While the Omani government cited logistical reasons for the delay, reports suggest rising Iranian frustration with what they perceive as the U.S. administration’s inconsistent position on key aspects of the talks. Over the past month, President Donald Trump and senior officials have sent mixed signals on whether Iran will be allowed to maintain a civilian nuclear program. Tehran has made it clear that preserving its uranium enrichment capabilities is a non-negotiable issue—only the level of enrichment remains open for discussion.

The resumption of talks coincides with the U.S. ending its bombing campaign in Yemen, which was also mediated by Oman. While President Trump characterized the ceasefire as a sign of capitulation by Yemen’s Ansar-Allah movement, recent reports highlighting the high costs and limited success of the campaign suggest otherwise. Furthermore, statements from Sana’a reiterated the group’s intention to continue strikes on Israel in solidarity with Gaza, casting doubt on the effectiveness of the U.S. operation.

Adding to the evolving situation in the administration, Trump’s former National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, was removed from his post on Friday. While the White House has framed the move as a promotion—announcing Waltz’s appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations—multiple reports indicate deeper tensions. Waltz, one of the most hawkish voices in Trump’s inner circle on Iran, is alleged to have held undisclosed communications with Israeli officials, reportedly without Trump’s knowledge. These talks are believed to have been aimed at pressuring the administration into committing to potential strikes on Iran, raising concerns within the administration about internal dissent and foreign influence on U.S. policy.

Together, the developments suggest a possible recalibration of Trump’s Middle East policy, which had until recently maintained a strongly confrontational posture toward Iran and its regional allies.