Is diplomacy set to resume between Washington and Tehran? Iran and the USA will sit down tomorrow to discuss a new nuclear agreement. Despite a new threat message from the White House to Iran before the meeting, it has been reported that the possibility of an agreement is high if the US sets aside its threats.

A ray of hope shines for diplomacy on the Washington-Tehran front. The process began with a threatening letter from US President Donald Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump’s letter, announced on March 7th, was delivered to Tehran through the United Arab Emirates on March 12th. Iran responded to the letter on March 27th through Oman.

Diplomatic letter exchanges yielded results, and representatives of the two countries will discuss the nuclear agreement in Oman tomorrow.

The progression of negotiations remains uncertain. The United States is insistent on direct talks while Tehran prefers indirect negotiations. According to statements from both countries, President Trump’s Middle East Special Representative Steve Witkoff will represent the American side, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will represent Iran.

“IRAN REJECTS ANY FORM OF BULLYING”

According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi stated, “As in the past and in line with its engagement policy, Iran is ready to discuss its peaceful nuclear program and has been in discussions on this matter with China, Russia, and three European countries over several months.” Regarding the nuclear talks scheduled for tomorrow in Oman, Ravanchi stated, “If the American side refrains from bringing irrelevant matters and demands to the table and abandons threats, the likelihood of reaching an agreement is high. Iran believes in dialogue and interaction based on mutual respect and rejects any form of bullying.”

USA REITERATES THREAT: CONSEQUENCES WILL BE SEVERE

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, in a press briefing, evaluated the US stance towards Iran before the upcoming direct talks tomorrow. Leavitt emphasized the importance of the direct talks, stating, “President Trump has repeatedly stated to the public that his ultimate goal is for Iran never to acquire nuclear weapons. The President believes in diplomacy, direct negotiations, and speaking directly in the same room to achieve this goal.” Warning that “if diplomacy fails, all other options will be on the table,” Leavitt also stated, “The President has also made it very clear to the Iranians and the national security team that all options are on the table and that Iran must make a choice. Either you accept President Trump’s demands, or the consequences will be severe.”

LAST DIRECT TALKS WERE DURING OBAMA’S TERM

During his first term, Trump withdrew the USA from the nuclear agreement signed with Tehran in 2015. Trump stated that upon his return to the White House in January, he would pursue a maximum pressure policy on Iran. The USA also announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear program and oil network. Direct talks took place between the USA and Iran during the Obama era. In 2015, an agreement was reached to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the easing of sanctions. Following Trump’s withdrawal from the agreement, Iran suspended its obligations, but the agreement remains in effect, with its expiration expected in October.