Iran Signals ‘Earnest’ Nuclear Talks Amid More Trump Sanctions

The Iranian foreign ministry has signaled that it would engage in the upcoming nuclear talks with the U.S. “in earnest and with candid vigilance,” despite new U.S. sanctions on Iran’s illicit oil trade.

The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on an Indian national based in the United Arab Emirates, and four associated companies, saying they helped transport Iranian oil in defiance of international sanctions. Iran nonetheless confirmed it would proceed with the scheduled talks in Oman on Saturday.

Newsweek has reached out to the Treasury Department and Iran’s foreign ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

The sanctions reflect Washington’s ongoing strategy to apply economic pressure on Iran. Yet, the upcoming talks present a rare opportunity for diplomacy, with both countries agreeing to direct negotiations for the first time in years.

The announcement of the talks by President Donald Trump earlier this week marked a significant development, though some confusion remains regarding the format, with Iran initially stating that discussions would be indirect.

What to Know

In a post on X, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei wrote that diplomacy was being given “a genuine chance.” He emphasized that Tehran would approach the meeting with caution and deliberation, adding, “We do not prejudge… We do not predict…” He also urged the U.S. to recognize that Iran’s decision to participate was made “despite their prevailing confrontational hoopla.”

U.S. Sanctions Add Pressure

On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Jugwinder Singh Brar, an Indian national based in the UAE, and four companies accused of facilitating the transport of Iranian oil. The U.S. says that Brar’s network operates a fleet that moves oil in defiance of sanctions, providing funding to Iran’s destabilizing activities.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained that “The Iranian regime relies on its network of unscrupulous shippers and brokers like Brar and his companies to enable its oil sales and finance its destabilizing activities.” The sanctions highlight the U.S. strategy of maintaining “maximum pressure” on Iran, even as both sides prepare for talks.

Talks in Oman

Despite the sanctions, both Iran and the U.S. are moving forward with talks scheduled for Saturday in Oman. This marks a significant development in U.S.-Iran relations, as both nations have not engaged in diplomacy for years. The outcome of the talks could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nuclear deal and U.S.-Iran relations.

What People Are Saying

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei wrote on X: “We intend to assess the other side’s intent and resolve this Saturday. We shall reflect and respond accordingly.”

President Donald Trump stated: The U.S. and Iran were “poised to begin direct talks” and warned that Tehran would be in “great danger” if the talks were unsuccessful.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said: “The Iranian regime relies on its network of unscrupulous shippers and brokers like Brar and his companies to enable its oil sales and finance its destabilizing activities.”

What Happens Next

The two delegations are set to meet Saturday in Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to lead the Iranian team, while U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to represent Washington. The talks could signal a shift toward a diplomatic breakthrough, or they may end in stalemate as both sides continue to confront deep-rooted issues.