Trump’s ‘maximalist demands’ for Iran put talks in Oman on uncertain ground

Al JazeeraCenterEN 6 min read 100% complete by Joseph StepanskyFebruary 6, 2026 at 05:55 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

Talks between the US and Iran are set to resume in Muscat, Oman, on Friday, following a period of heightened tensions including US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. The Trump administration is reportedly entering these talks with "maximalist demands" that extend beyond Iran's nuclear program. These demands include limiting Iran's ballistic missile program and ending support for regional proxies. Analysts suggest the US believes Iran is weakened, creating an opportunity to extract significant concessions. The US delegation includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Iran will be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US is ready to talk, but any meaningful agreement must address ballistic missiles and support for terrorism.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Nicolas Maduro 30% George Washington University 30% Steve Witkoff 40% Al Jazeera ×240% Jared Kushner 40% Abbas Araghchi 40% Marco Rubio ×240% Israel ×250% Oman ×260% United States ×780% Iran ×1090% Donald Trump ×690%

Keywords

us-iran relations 90% maximalist demands 80% nuclear programme 70% ballistic missiles 70% oman talks 60% regional proxies 60% sanctions 50% trump administration 50% us military intervention 50%