Iran and the United States launched indirect negotiations in Oman on Saturday to address Tehran’s fast-advancing nuclear program, with tensions simmering under President Donald Trump’s renewed leadership.

Held through Omani mediators, the talks involve Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, but no immediate breakthrough is expected given decades of mistrust.

Trump has warned of airstrikes if Iran doesn’t curb its nuclear ambitions, while Tehran, with uranium enriched to near weapons-grade 60%, hints it could pursue a bomb if pushed.

Araghchi stressed the talks focus solely on the nuclear issue, aiming for an “equal footing” deal that serves Iran’s interests. Witkoff, however, insists on dismantling Iran’s program, though he’s open to some compromise short of weaponization.

Iran’s stockpile, a far cry from the 3.67% limit under the 2015 deal Trump abandoned in 2018, could yield multiple warheads. Tehran may push to keep 20% enrichment, but total dismantling—floated by Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu as a “Libyan solution”—is a non-starter. Iran’s leaders, citing Moammar Gadhafi’s fate after disarming, remain wary of US intentions.

With Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi shuttling messages, the talks test both sides’ will to avoid conflict. Sanctions relief could ease Iran’s economic woes, but any deal hinges on navigating a narrow path between Tehran’s defiance and Washington’s hardline stance.