"Iran and the United States stood poised Friday to hold negotiations in Oman at least over Tehran's nuclear program after a chaotic week that initially saw plans for regional countries to take part in talks in Turkey. The two countries have returned to Oman, a sultanate on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, months after rounds of meetings turned to ash following Israel's launch of a 12-day war against Iran back in June."
"The U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war, likely destroying many of the centrifuges that spun uranium to near weapons-grade purity. Israel's attacks decimated Iran's air defenses and targeted its ballistic missile arsenal as well. U.S. officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio believe Iran's theocracy is now at its weakest point since its 1979 Islamic Revolution after nationwide protests last month represented the greatest challenge to 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule."
Iran and the United States prepared to hold nuclear-focused negotiations in Oman after earlier plans for a Turkey-hosted regional meeting collapsed. Previous talks faltered months after Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran in June. The U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites, likely destroying many centrifuges that enriched uranium toward weapons-grade purity. Israel's strikes damaged air defenses and targeted Iran's ballistic missile arsenal. Nationwide protests challenged Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and authorities responded with a bloody crackdown that killed thousands and arrested tens of thousands. The U.S. deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln and other forces to the region amid drone and maritime incidents. Gulf Arab states fear a regional war if conflict escalates.
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