The contradiction between US and Iranian portrayals of Saturday's upcoming talks in Oman dominated headlines. Foreign Minister Araghchi repeatedly insisted negotiations would be "indirect," contradicting Trump's claim of "direct talks" from the previous day. By mid-morning, it was confirmed Araghchi would meet US envoy Steve Vitkof in Muscat, with Oman mediating.
As the day progressed, the White House doubled down, explicitly stating the talks would be "direct," creating a diplomatic standoff over format. Araghchi countered in a Washington Post op-ed that Iran is "ready to work seriously toward an agreement" but emphasized "the ball is in America's court."
Meanwhile, the domestic electricity crisis received attention with warnings of an unprecedented 20,000 megawatt deficit this summer, while the head of Iran's nuclear agency announced plans to produce 20,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Russia's parliament approved a strategic cooperation treaty with Iran but clarified it isn't obligated to provide military support if the US attacks.