Iran says next US nuclear talks date pending, cautions against wider scope

Iran has indicated that the schedule for subsequent negotiations with the United States remains undetermined, with Tehran urging the discussions remain confined to the nuclear issue. Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, described the previous round of talks in Oman as "relatively good" but cautioned against drawing conclusions from a single meeting, stating that the trajectory of diplomacy can only be assessed over time.

Iran Demands Nuclear-Only Focus, Signals US Shift

Larijani told Iranian media that the US side now appears to accept that negotiations should be limited to the nuclear file, abandoning earlier demands to include Tehran's missile program and regional influence. "If the Americans' concern is that Iran should not move toward acquiring a nuclear weapon, this is something that can be resolved," he stated, adding that broadening the agenda would needlessly complicate progress. He characterized this apparent US recalibration as a "rational approach."

Warning Against Israeli Influence and Sanctions Linkage

The Iranian official cautioned Washington against allowing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at the White House, to steer the negotiations. Such interference, he argued, would ultimately harm American interests. Tehran maintains that any agreement to limit its nuclear activities, particularly the enrichment of uranium, is contingent upon the full and verifiable lifting of Western economic sanctions.

Diplomatic Context and Core Contentions

The indirect Muscat talks, mediated by Oman, resumed after an eight-month hiatus following regional military escalation. The core dispute remains unchanged: Iran insists sanctions relief must accompany nuclear restrictions, while the US seeks a more comprehensive deal. Washington's previous efforts to expand the negotiation mandate remain a point of tension, despite Larijani's suggestion of recent US flexibility. Tehran has repeatedly vowed a decisive response to any military aggression and denies pursuing nuclear weapons capability.