US-Iran nuclear talks’ round 6 to take place amid potential regional military escalation
The sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations will take place in Muscat on June 15, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said in an X post.
As noted by TASS, the U.S. and Iran have been conducting indirect negotiations since April; the talks are mediated by Oman. The Iranian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the U.S. is represented by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
After several attempts to reach a new agreement, the negotiations are at risk due to disagreements between the U.S. and Iran over uranium enrichment. The U.S. insists that Iran fully abandon uranium enrichment in its nuclear facilities.
Iran, on the other hand, claims that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. According to IAEA reports, Iran’s enrichment level is now close to the level needed for nuclear weapons production.
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he is ready to use force if Iran refuses to adhere to the agreement.
Earlier, Reuters reported that the U.S. is planning to partially evacuate its embassy in Iraq due to “increased security risks in the region.” Additionally, according to the news agency, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized voluntary departure for family members of U.S. service members from Middle Eastern countries. This decision mainly concerns U.S. citizens in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Trump confirmed that some personnel at U.S. embassies in the region are being evacuated for security reasons.
The evacuation of diplomats is being organized amid reports of Israel’s intention to strike targets linked to Iran’s nuclear program. Iran’s Defense Minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, stated that in the event of war with the United States, Iran would attack all U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
Earlier, the Royal Navy Maritime Coordination Center issued a warning about the potential for regional military escalation. The center advised ships to exercise caution in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz.
