Oman has confirmed that Iran-US nuclear talks scheduled to take place this weekend at Muscat will not happen, marking a setback to diplomatic efforts at a time when Middle East tensions continue to rise.
Oman Cancels Iran Nuclear Talks Under Pressure Oman’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement, through a spokesman, indicating that the planned U.S.-Iran Nuclear Meeting in Muscat for Sunday will no longer take place, due to an increasingly volatile security environment following hostilities between Israel and Iran and direct military hostilities between these two states.
Wsj.com/wsj_com.svl_2Wait + 8 +8 Reuters/com.svv7 Wsj/wsj/wsj_com + 8 Wsj/wsj_com/wsj_com/wsj/com/8 Reuters/com/wsj/com
Oman had confirmed talks would take place despite regional tensions, according to both AP News and Reuter’s news service.
But due to an unprecedented surge in airstrikes and missile attacks, its cancellation has become necessary.
Iran’s Diplomatic Freeze
Iran had already started distancing itself from nuclear engagement. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed EU foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas that continuing talks with the U.S. amid Israel’s bombardments was unjustifiable (sources: axios.com; WsJ; and The Guardian)
Tehran’s foreign ministry declared nuclear dialogue to be inconsequential and accused Washington of supporting Israeli operations through arms sales to them, according to Reuter’s. Although Iran hasn’t officially ruled out future talks, officials insist any potential restart depends on an end to Israeli aggression as per Reuter’s and Wsj.com, respectively.
Conflict Escalates
The diplomatic collapse follows an escalated military exchange. On June 13, Israel conducted Operation Rising Lion and struck over 100 nuclear and military targets within Iran including Natanz and Esfahan facilities killing key IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists (The Times/Guardian/The Australian).
Iran responded with an unprecedented barrage of over 200 ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities; three Israelis were killed while many more were injured; Israel claims it intercepted most of these missiles with U.S. support and claimed to have intercepted many more as well.
Regional and Global Ripples Oil Markets: Brent crude saw its price increase more than 10% due to concerns of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz (www.middleeasteye.net).
Diplomatic Alarms: Urgent requests for de-escalation came from the UN Security Council, U.K., France, Egypt, Saudi Arabia Russia and Vatican
(APnews.com).
U.S. Caution: Washington backs Israel’s defensive action while seeking to prevent an all-out war from breaking out, by moving personnel out of key embassies and placing troops on high alert across the region; according to reports on Guardian.com and Axios.com and The Australian’s website they have also put personnel on high alert as part of a precautionary approach towards potential consequences from this nuclear deal being scrapped
The cancellation puts at risk months of progress made during indirect negotiations mediated by Oman and Rome from April to May 2025, including indirect talks facilitated by Oman between April and May, according to reports in Axios, Wikipedia, The Guardian and elsewhere (which were set in motion in April-2025) aimed at mitigating proliferation risk by Oman.
Analysts warn that in the absence of renewed diplomacy, Iran may increase uranium enrichment activities – heightening global non-proliferation risks.
Conflict Spinoff
With both nations engaging in direct strikes against each other, the risk for proxy participation from Hezbollah, Houthi rebels, and militia groups increases significantly.
Stalemate in Diplomacy
United Nations and EU envoys have appealed for calm, but Iran currently refuses dialogue unless Israel ceases its strikes; while the U.S. sees diplomacy as still viable (en.wikipedia.org and theaustralian.com.au, respectively). Can Oman Revivify Talks
Oman remains open to future negotiations once the current military conflict subsides; its diplomatic role could prove essential in any negotiations to deescalate tensions.
Iran’s Next Move
Tehran may escalate missile or drone attacks or threaten Western interests if diplomatic closure persists.
Global Response
International leaders must assess whether sanctions relief, U.S. pressure or direct mediation can break the current deadlock and avoid full-scale regional war.
Bottom Line: The cancellation of Muscat negotiations demonstrates how quickly diplomacy can disintegrate under military pressure. With both Tehran and Washington entrenching their positions, any hope for renewed talks hinges upon de-escalating tensions amidst rising retaliatory strikes from both parties.