Sat Apr 12 03:24:51 UTC 2025: ## US and Iran to Hold Direct Talks on Nuclear Program This Weekend

**Muscat, Oman –** The United States and Iran will hold direct talks this Saturday in Oman to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed. The meeting between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and a senior Iranian official follows a surprise announcement by President Donald Trump earlier this week.

While initial reports suggested indirect talks mediated by Oman, a U.S. official clarified that both delegations will meet face-to-face. President Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating there will be severe consequences if Tehran does not abandon its nuclear ambitions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is the administration’s ultimate goal, but stressed that all options remain on the table if diplomacy fails.

Secretary Rubio expressed hope that the talks will lead to peace, reiterating the U.S.’s firm stance against Iran possessing nuclear weapons. The high-stakes meeting comes amidst a history of strained negotiations between the two countries, adding further significance to this weekend’s discussions.

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