Secret Iran-U.S. Talks in Oman Amid Rising Tensions: Warnings of Military Escalation and B-2 Bomber Threat

Diplomatic sources have confirmed that Iranian and American officials held indirect, closed-door negotiations in Muscat, Oman, against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions. The talks, mediated by Omani officials, focused on critical issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. sanctions, and the potential for military confrontation. The discussions unfolded as both sides exchanged sharp warnings, with Iran explicitly threatening a “swift and severe” response to any U.S. attack—a message underscored by recent U.S. deployments of strategic assets like the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber to the region.

Key Points of Negotiation

1. Nuclear Program & JCPOA Revival:

   • The U.S. reiterated demands for Iran to halt high-level uranium enrichment (currently at 60%, near weapons-grade).

   • Iran insists on guaranteed sanctions relief before reversing its nuclear advances.

2. Regional Proxy Conflicts:

   • Washington pressed Tehran to curb its support for groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

   • Iran linked regional de-escalation to the removal of IRGC’s Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation.

3. Military Posturing:

   • The U.S. has intensified patrols of B-2 bombers and B-52s over the Persian Gulf, signaling readiness for strikes.

   • Iran responded with missile drills featuring 2,000-km-range ballistic missiles and drone swarms capable of targeting U.S. bases.

Direct Threats: B-2s vs. Iranian Retaliation

• The B-2 Spirit, a nuclear-capable stealth bomber, can penetrate Iranian air defenses undetected. Its deployment follows Pentagon warnings of “all options being prepared.”

• Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s lead negotiator, warned: “Any attack will trigger retaliation not just against regional U.S. bases but also strategic targets beyond the Middle East.” Analysts interpret this as a threat to strike Israel or energy facilities in Saudi Arabia/UAE.

• IRGC General Mohammad Bagheri added: “Our hypersonic missiles render U.S. missile defenses obsolete. America is not untouchable.”

International Reactions

• Russia/China: Urged diplomacy but blamed U.S. “maximum pressure” for the crisis.

• Israel: Pushed for a credible military threat, citing Iran’s proximity to 90% uranium enrichment.

• Gulf States: Quietly lobbied Washington to avoid war, fearing disruptions to oil exports.

Possible Outcomes

1. Breakthrough: A temporary freeze on Iran’s 60% enrichment in exchange for limited sanctions relief (e.g., unfreezing $10B in oil revenues).

2. Collapse: U.S. triggers “snapback” UN sanctions; Iran accelerates nuclear work.

3. War: Miscalculation (e.g., a strike on IRGC targets) spirals into conflict, potentially drawing in Hezbollah and disrupting Strait of Hormuz shipping.

Why Oman?

Oman’s neutrality and past role in facilitating the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) make it a trusted mediator. However, Muscat’s influence is limited by the current hardline stances in Tehran and Washington.

Key Terms: Iran nuclear deal, JCPOA, B-2 stealth bomber, sanctions, uranium enrichment, IRGC, hypersonic missiles, Persian Gulf, Oman mediation.