US, Iran in talks amid fears of conflict

As the threat of direct conflict between the US and Iran grows, top officials from the two countries are meeting in Oman. The talks are taking place at a time when Iran has been waging a violent crackdown on anti-government protests across the country last month, human rights groups say. Thousands of people have been killed in the violence, they say.

In this situation, the US has increased its military presence in the Middle East, which has further heightened tensions between the two countries. There was a risk that the meeting would collapse until the last minute due to uncertainty about the venue and content of the talks. However, diplomatic efforts by regional mediators are finally making it possible to hold talks, the main goal of which is to reduce tensions.

The positions of the two countries are still largely contradictory. Nevertheless, it is hoped that if the talks are successful, a framework for future talks can be created.

The US wants Iran to suspend its nuclear program and abandon its stockpile of enriched uranium. They are also interested in discussing Iran's ballistic missile program, support for regional armed groups and the human rights situation inside the country. On the other hand, Iran has made it clear that the talks will be limited to the nuclear issue. It is not yet clear whether this disagreement has been resolved.

Donald Trump has recently warned that an attack on Iran may be launched if a deal is not reached. The United States has already deployed thousands of troops, an aircraft carrier, warships and fighter jets to the Middle East.

In response, Iran has said that it will retaliate in the event of an attack and may target US bases in the Middle East and Israel. The Iranian delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US will be represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

This is the first direct meeting between the United States and Iran since the Israel-Iran war, in which the US attacked Iran's main nuclear facilities. Iran claims that its uranium enrichment program has been halted since the attack.

Analysts say Iran's current leadership is at its weakest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Many see the talks as a last chance to avoid a US military strike.

Iran hopes that talks will result in the lifting of economic sanctions that have severely damaged its economy. However, opponents of the government believe that lifting the sanctions would be a new lifeline for the regime.

Regional countries have expressed concern that a US attack could lead to long-term instability in Iran or a wider war. They have warned that air strikes alone will not be enough to topple Iran's leadership.

The talks were initially scheduled to take place in Istanbul, but were moved to Oman at the last minute at Iran's request and the meeting was limited to US and Iranian officials.

Source - BBC