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Iran Signals Flexibility on Uranium Enrichment Amid Oman Talks with US Mediators
Iran’s Ali Larijani meets Oman’s Sultan to advance nuclear talks with the US. Tehran signals possible uranium dilution if sanctions lift, but missile program remains non-negotiable.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-10
Iran Signals Flexibility on Uranium Enrichment Amid Oman Talks with US Mediators

Iranian official Ali Larijani, a top security adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, met Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said to discuss progress in nuclear negotiations with the United States. The discussions, reported by the Oman News Agency, focused on ways to reach a “balanced and just agreement” and emphasized the importance of returning to dialogue. Larijani is also set to meet Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, the chief intermediary in the US-Iran talks.

Oman hosted the latest round of nuclear talks last week, aimed at avoiding escalating conflict between Tehran and Washington amid growing US military activity in the region. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi briefed counterparts in Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia on the developments, signaling broad regional consultation.

Analysts highlighted the significance of Larijani’s extended meeting with Sultan Haitham, noting that longer diplomatic engagements often indicate serious efforts to clarify positions before resuming formal negotiations. “Duration is very significant in high-stakes diplomacy,” said Abas Aslani of the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies.

However, Tehran expressed concern over external influence. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei urged Washington to act independently and resist pressure from Israel, which Iran said is destabilizing the region. Larijani’s visit reflects Tehran’s efforts to strengthen regional ties while advancing its diplomatic strategy.

On the nuclear front, Iran signaled flexibility regarding highly enriched uranium. Atomic Energy Chief Mohammad Eslami said Tehran could consider diluting its 60 percent enriched uranium stockpile if all sanctions are lifted, addressing a key US demand. Nonetheless, Iran reiterated that its ballistic missile program is “non-negotiable,” rejecting US efforts to include it in the talks.

The US has demanded Iran relinquish its uranium stockpile, estimated at more than 440kg enriched to 60 percent purity — close to weapons-grade. Tehran maintains its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes.

The next round of negotiations has yet to be scheduled. Larijani is expected to continue consultations in Qatar, while the US-Israel dynamic adds complexity. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting Washington to lobby for including Iran’s missile program in the talks, a move Tehran views as potentially disruptive.

The Muscat talks represent the latest effort to bridge longstanding gaps between Washington and Tehran. While both sides have signaled cautious optimism, experts warn that substantial diplomatic work remains to avoid renewed confrontation in the region.
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