Oman FM Reveals US-Iran Nuclear Deal Was 'Within Reach' Before Trump Ordered Bombing
Oman's Foreign Minister reveals Iran agreed to zero nuclear stockpiling in US talks, but Trump launched attacks just as peace seemed imminent.
Oman's Foreign Minister disclosed that a US-Iran nuclear deal was 'within our reach,' with Iran agreeing to 'zero stockpiling' of nuclear material during negotiations. However, the peace prospect collapsed when Trump initiated bombing operations against Iran, as reported by multiple sources including Common Dreams, The Hill, and The Washington Post.
Breaking: Diplomatic Progress Shattered by Military Action
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the international community, Oman's Foreign Minister has revealed that a US-Iran nuclear agreement was genuinely within reach before President Trump ordered bombing operations against Iran. The revelation exposes a critical moment where peace appeared imminent, only to be undone by military escalation.
The Omani diplomat, serving as a key mediator in the negotiations, stated that Iran had agreed to the fundamental principle of 'zero stockpiling' of nuclear material—a position that represented a significant concession and potentially groundbreaking progress toward resolving the longstanding nuclear dispute.
Details of the Near-Deal
According to reporting from The Hill, Iranian negotiators agreed to the zero stockpiling condition during marathon diplomatic sessions with US representatives. This development was characterized by the Omani Foreign Minister as a pivotal breakthrough that brought both parties closer than they had been in years.
Al Jazeera reported that the Omani official expressed optimism that peace was genuinely within reach, suggesting that a comprehensive agreement could have been finalized with continued diplomatic effort.
The Collapse of Peace Efforts
However, according to The Washington Post, despite the mediator's positive assessment, Trump moved toward launching an attack on Iran, effectively terminating the diplomatic window that had opened through Omani mediation.
The New York Times coverage indicated that while Iranian participants cited progress in the talks, the marathon session ultimately produced no formal agreement before the military action commenced. This sequence of events has raised serious questions about the viability of diplomatic solutions and the impact of military posturing on nuclear negotiations.
Geopolitical Implications
This development represents a significant escalation in US-Iran relations and potentially undermines international efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The timing—coming so close to a potential breakthrough—has drawn criticism from observers who question whether military action was necessary at this juncture.
The incident also highlights the critical role that regional mediators like Oman have played in facilitating back-channel communications between Washington and Tehran. Oman's position as a neutral party with diplomatic ties to both nations has made it an ideal venue for sensitive nuclear negotiations.
What Happens Next?
The bombing operation marks a dangerous new phase in the US-Iran confrontation, with uncertain consequences for regional stability and global nuclear non-proliferation efforts. The international community will be watching closely to see whether diplomatic channels remain open or whether the conflict further escalates.
The collapse of this near-deal serves as a stark reminder of how quickly diplomatic opportunities can vanish when military considerations take precedence over negotiation. As the situation develops, world leaders face mounting pressure to find pathways back to the negotiating table before the situation becomes irreversible.
- https://www.commondreams.org/news/iran-deal-oman
- https://www.thehill.com/policy/international/iran-nuclear-talks/
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/02/27/peace-within-reach-iran-agrees-no-nuclear-material-stockpile-oman-fm
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/trump-iran-attack-mediation/
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/us/politics/iran-nuclear-talks-trump.html