US and Iran prepare for first direct nuclear talks since military strikes

According to two sources familiar with the negotiations, White House envoy Steve Witkoff is planning to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi next week in Oslo to resume nuclear talks.

The sources noted that a final date has not yet been set, and neither country has publicly confirmed the meeting.

If it does take place, it would mark the first direct negotiations since US President Donald Trump ordered an unprecedented military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities last month.

The sources also indicated that Witkoff and Araghchi maintained direct contact during and after the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which ended with a US-brokered ceasefire.

Focus of US–Iran talks

A central issue in any upcoming negotiations will be Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which includes 400 kilograms enriched to 60%.

Israeli and US officials claim that this material is currently "sealed off from the outside world" inside three nuclear facilities that were targeted during joint strikes: enrichment sites in Natanz and Fordow, as well as underground tunnels at the site in Isfahan.

It is reported that Iran currently does not have access to these stockpiles due to damage caused by the strikes, though the material could be recovered once the debris is cleared.

Israel–Iran war

Israel and Iran reached a ceasefire following 12 days of armed escalation. During the operation, Israel targeted heavily fortified Iranian nuclear facilities using drones and airstrikes in an effort to halt Tehran's nuclear program.

In response, Iran launched missile attacks on Israeli cities.

Moreover, on the night of June 22, the United States carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites located in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Shortly afterward, President Trump and several officials declared that Iran's nuclear program had been completely destroyed. However, according to media reports citing US intelligence, that is not the case.