Israeli media reported that the Israeli delegation in Washington was caught off guard by Trump’s announcement.
In a surprising development, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Washington would hold direct talks with Iran—marking the first time such a move was publicly confirmed.
However, Tehran was quick to clarify that the discussions would be indirect and held in Oman.
Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said the meeting would take place on Saturday and involve senior officials.
He warned that if the talks fail, Iran would be in “great danger,” while asserting that both the US and Israel wished to avoid conflict if possible. Trump added that the discussions would be conducted “at almost the highest level” and not through intermediaries.
Just hours later, Iran confirmed the date and location but stressed that the talks would not be direct. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi stated on X that the upcoming meeting with the US would be held in Oman and would be “high-level and indirect.” He called it both a “test” and an “opportunity,” adding that the outcome depends on the US.
Iranian state media reported that Aragchi will lead the Iranian side, while the US delegation will be headed by envoy Steve Witkoff.
Iran reiterated its willingness to engage in talks conducted respectfully. However, a government statement emphasized that the negotiations will prioritize Iranian national interests and that details will be discussed in due course.
According to the New York Times, Iranian officials are open to the possibility of direct negotiations in the future, depending on the outcome of these initial talks. They noted, however, that Iran sees the nature of the discussions differently than Trump described.
This marks a significant shift, as the last direct talks between Iran and the US occurred under President Barack Obama, leading to the 2015 nuclear deal—later abandoned by Trump, who reimposed sanctions under his “maximum pressure” strategy.
Reactions from Israel were swift and sharp.
The Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported that the Israeli delegation in Washington was caught off guard by Trump’s announcement. A source described visible shock among officials, adding that the surprise talks overshadowed Netanyahu’s visit to the White House.
Netanyahu, a longstanding opponent of negotiations with Tehran, remarked that diplomacy could be effective—if it leads to a full dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, referencing the Libyan model.
Trump had previously sent a letter to Tehran proposing talks on its nuclear program, accompanied by a warning that Iran could be bombed if negotiations collapsed.
(PC, AJA)
Trump is very dangerous. Iran, like Russia, is not afraid. Trump is a belligerent fool who is poking several hornet’s nests at the same time. Russia, China, and Iran. It’s public information that they would all protect each other if it came to war. We, the USA, cannot win. He should be strengthening diplomatic ties with all 3 nations, and choking the life out of the real problem in the Middle East: Wasrael.
Why should any serious nation be negotiating personal issues with genocide enabler while defenceless, besieged Palestinians are being maimed, killed and displaced in multitudes?
Actions like this leaves one with an empty feeling about leadership of Arab&non-Arab nations that are meant to be on the fore front defending the oppressed from most arrogant oppressor and her backer.
I doubt if these nations have anything good to offer my besieged brothers in Gaza.
Help is surely coming and perhaps it’s coming from within and not from outside.
Even if nuke is used, not all would die and those that are destined to survive all these atrocities and wars would later taste victory at an appointed time..
Thank you so much for this, you have warmed my despairing heart with your words. There is hope, there is a future and Palestine will return stronger. Its people are so strong, so resourceful so dignified in the face of extreme atrocities, so full of grace in the face of such inhumane barbarism. A world where Palestinian and all other peaceful values are the most valuable. Where lies, violence, barbarism, racism, apartheid, war crimes and genocide will neither be rewarded nor tolerated. This world will come. Thank you for your insightful words.
with all those foreign countries and penguins around the world ripping us off, Trump needs to demand that Netanyahu pay back all the billions they owe us,
and pay for his own laundry.