Trump tells Sultan of Oman: The goal of the talks is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon

April 15, 2025 – Washington
U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, during which he reaffirmed that the primary objective of the ongoing indirect negotiations with Iran is to ensure that Tehran never obtains a nuclear weapon.

According to White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt, the President emphasized during the call that the talks—following an initial session held in Muscat last Saturday —are intended to open a path toward diplomatic de-escalation, while maintaining firm pressure on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“President Trump reiterated his directive that under no circumstance should Iran be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon,” Leavitt said in a press briefing, noting that the Muscat discussions were described by both sides as positive and constructive.

The White House also confirmed that Trump and Sultan Haitham discussed ongoing U.S. military operations against the Houthis in Yemen, and broader regional security concerns.

The first round of high-level indirect talks between Washington and Tehran took place in Muscat on April 12, with the participation of U.S. envoy Stephen Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and under the facilitation of the Omani Foreign Ministry. The second round is scheduled for April 19, also in Muscat.