US and Iran Agree to Nuclear Talks in Oman Amid Rising Tensions and Disagreements

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed his foreign minister to pursue nuclear talks with the United States, signaling a willingness for 'fair and equitable negotiations' amid heightened tensions following Iran's crackdown on protests. The US shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln, escalating military posturing. Despite disagreements over the venue and agenda—particularly Iran's refusal to discuss its ballistic missile program—the two sides agreed to hold talks on February 6 in Oman. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, insist negotiations cover missiles, regional activities, and human rights, while Iran seeks to limit discussions to nuclear issues. President Donald Trump warned Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to be 'very worried,' underscoring the fragile diplomatic environment as regional actors push for de-escalation.