As Saturday's Oman talks approached, Iran positioned them as "a test to evaluate American intentions" while granting Foreign Minister Araghchi "full authority" to negotiate. The format crystallized as written text exchanges through Omani mediation. White House spokesperson responded with warnings that "all options remain on the table" if diplomacy fails.
Parallel diplomatic moves intensified with Trump's special envoy meeting Putin in Moscow. The US sanctioned a Chinese oil terminal for Iranian oil trade, while the EU prepared sanctions against nine Iranians for "state hostage-taking."
Domestic messaging remained mixed as Atomic Energy chief Eslami boasted Iran had "crossed knowledge boundaries" in nuclear science, while Friday prayer leader Sedighi contradicted the diplomatic opening by declaring direct talks "beneath Iran's dignity." The hardline Kayhan newspaper emphasized "no agreement without sanctions removal."
