US-Iran talks began about one hour ago. A CENTCOM commander is present.
-- The U.S. reportedly chose to focus strictly on nuclear negotiations during the Oman talks.
-- Iran's foreign minister made clear Tehran will defend itself against any "excessive demands or adventurism" by the United States.
-- Iran’s top leaders reported to be digging-in showing little readiness to compromise on the core issue of ending uranium enrichment and threatening to trigger a regional war if the US attacks.
-- About ONE HOUR into the talks, a motorcade/Convoy believed to be carrying the U.S. Delegation was seen LEAVING. the meeting site in Oman.
CLARIFICATION: Negotiations are still ongoing; the Iranian negotiation team went to the negotiation venue for a second round of talks.
-- US talks with Iran are completely indirect each party are talking through mediators, Iran is demanding concrete economic guarantees and the lifting of sanctions.
More info coming; check back
7:06 AM EST -- The second round of negotiations in Oman, focused on exchanging documents and red lines between delegations, has concluded.
The short duration of the meeting, especially after such a long diplomatic buildup, could signal several things.
It may suggest the sides did not get into substantive details yet. Reports indicate the talks were indirect rather than face-to-face, with messages likely passed between rooms even if both delegations were in the same building. That’s not necessarily negative, but it does suggest the real negotiations may still be ahead.
It could ALSO mean there is no negotiation to be had and that Diplomacy is over.
. . . Awaiting inside details.
