The Iran Podcast U.S. and Iran Meet in Oman
Feb 6, 2026
Negar Mortazavi, a senior fellow focused on Iranian politics and U.S.-Iran relations. She outlines how the nuclear program is the starting point for talks. She highlights mixed U.S. signals and whether Iran is testing American resolve. She describes regional mediation efforts and why negotiations moved to Oman. She warns the outcome could tilt toward diplomacy or conflict.
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Nuclear Program As The Primary U.S. Focus
- The U.S. focus at talks is primarily Iran's nuclear program as a starting point.
- The White House rhetoric stresses no Iranian nuclear weapons while seeking an agreeable deal.
Possible U.S. Messaging Divide
- There may be mixed signals within the U.S. government between public rhetoric and negotiators.
- Mortazavi warns we'll see whether the White House and State Department lines converge in upcoming talks.
Iran Sees Attack As Existential Threat
- Iran views U.S. military action as existential and is prepared to retaliate and escalate regionally.
- That threat has prompted neighbors to mediate to avoid a wider, spillover war.