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Iran has asked for nuclear talks with the United States to be held in Oman on Friday, a source familiar with the talks told Fox News, as Tehran seeks changes to the renewed talks.
The request comes as Axios reported that Iranian officials are also pushing for a US-Iran bilateral format, excluding other Arab countries and the region – a move that could complicate US engagement efforts in the region.
The State Department has not publicly confirmed whether any talks are planned or what format they will take.
TRUMP SAYS IRAN HAS ENDED RULES AS SUPPLIER OF MILITARY WATCHES
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is shown at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, Calif., on Aug. 11, 2025. (Mike Blake/Reuters)
Reuters reported on Monday that Tehran is exploring the possibility of reviving nuclear talks with the United States, with Turkey emerging as a possible destination and regional mediators, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, playing an active role, after President Donald Trump said he hoped an agreement could be reached to avoid military action against Iran.
Trump has reportedly been considering his options for a possible military strike on Iran amid widespread protests and violent rifts in the country. Trump announced last week that “a massive Armada is headed for Iran,” led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt said on Tuesday that talks between the US and Iran are still scheduled, confirming that special envoy Steve Witkoff is still participating in official talks.
IRANIAN GUNBOATS FAIL ATTEMPT TO BOARD OIL TANKER AS TRUMP BUILD UP MILITARY PRESENCE
Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff is in talks with officials, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt said Tuesday. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Oh, look, I just spoke with special envoy Witkoff. And, these negotiations are currently still scheduled. President Trump always wants to pursue diplomacy first, but obviously it takes two to tango. You need a partner who is willing to carry out diplomacy. And that’s something that special envoy Witkoff intends to explore and discuss,” Leavitt said.
Leavitt added that Trump continues to keep military options on the table.
“As always, however, of course, the president has many options on the table regarding Iran. As commander in chief, I think they learned that well last year with the Operation Midnight Hammer strike, which was very successful and ended their nuclear capability. But those discussions will continue later this week as far as we’re concerned. Right now,” he said.
The news comes after six Iranian boats failed in an attempt to stop a US-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported.
President Donald Trump has reportedly been weighing his options for a possible military strike on Iran amid widespread protests and violent rifts in the country. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo: MAHSA / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)
The security company Vanguard Tech told its clients on Tuesday that the Iranian vessels were armed with .50-caliber rifles, and ordered the oil tanker to turn off its engines and prepare to board. Instead, the tank ran and was escorted to safety by a US warship, according to the Journal.
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In addition, the US military shot down an Iranian drone on Tuesday after it “came violently close to US Navy airspace for an unclear purpose,” a spokesman for US Central Command told Fox News. No US personnel were injured and no US equipment was damaged during the incident.
Fox News’ Anders Hagstrom and Greg Norman contributed to this report.
