The United States and Iran are reportedly nearing an agreement that would prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, as Oman announced a breakthrough in negotiations on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The development comes as the U.S. Maintains a significant military presence in the region and has threatened the use of force, raising concerns about a potential escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Iran has assured the U.S., through Omani mediation, that it will not pursue the development of nuclear material for use in a nuclear weapon. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Bussaidi described this commitment as a key achievement in ongoing talks, telling CBS News that Iran would pledge to maintain “zero” stockpiles of weapons-grade nuclear material. “Zero enrichment and full verification,” al-Bussaidi added.
Under the terms of a potential agreement, Iran would grant the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) full access to its nuclear facilities. Al-Bussaidi expressed confidence that “U.S. Inspectors will eventually have access as well.” He indicated that issues such as stockpiles, verification, safeguards, site access, and evaluation could be fully addressed within 90 days.
Regarding Iran’s ballistic missile program, Oman’s foreign minister stated, “I believe Iran is open to discussing everything.” This is a shift from Iran’s previous stance that limitations on its missile program are non-negotiable. Al-Bussaidi expressed hope for a swift agreement, suggesting that key points could be settled “tomorrow,” while technical details requiring IAEA clarification would take additional time. “I think everything will be ready within three months,” he said.
Trump „not happy with the way“
Prior to Oman’s announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s conduct in the nuclear negotiations. Yet, he as well indicated that further discussions were planned. “I’m not happy with the fact that they don’t wish to give us what we need,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday.
“I don’t think that’s good. We’ll see what happens. We’ll talk later. We’re not really happy with the way they’re negotiating. They cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump stated. He added that he does not want to use military force, “but sometimes you have to.”
The talks concerning Iran’s nuclear program are unfolding against a backdrop of a growing U.S. Military buildup in the Middle East. In recent weeks, the U.S. Has significantly increased its military presence in the region, deploying two aircraft carriers and more than a dozen additional warships. The world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, was expected to arrive off the coast of Israel on Friday, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had already been dispatched to the Gulf.
The U.S. Has also officially designated Iran as a “state sponsor of wrongful detentions.” U.S. Senator Marco Rubio called on the Iranian government to end hostage-taking and release all U.S. Citizens unjustly detained. He stated that these steps are necessary to lift the designation and associated sanctions.
Oman is actively working to mediate the conflict, with its foreign minister scheduled to meet with Vice President J.D. Vance in Washington on Friday, according to sources.
The U.S. State Department also announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Israel on Monday for discussions regarding the conflict with Iran. In a departure from standard practice, the Secretary will not be accompanied by reporters on the trip.
Berlin advises “urgently” against travel to Israel
Amid escalating tensions, the German government is “urgently” advising against travel to Israel. The Foreign Office issued the warning on Friday evening. “Travel to Israel and East Jerusalem is strongly discouraged,” it stated.
“The German Embassy in Tel Aviv remains fully operational,” the Foreign Office added. “We are closely monitoring the situation and are in close contact with our embassy in Tel Aviv, including regarding the security situation of our colleagues on site and their families.” The situation in Iran is also being “closely monitored.”
Previously, the U.S. Government had advised embassy staff in Israel to depart immediately. The United Kingdom announced the withdrawal of all its embassy personnel from Iran and the relocation of some staff from Tel Aviv due to “regional tensions.”
These developments reinforce fears of military escalation in the region. Trump has set a deadline of early March for Iran to reach a new nuclear agreement with Washington. The heightened tensions and diplomatic efforts underscore the precarious situation in the Middle East and the potential for further conflict.
säd/jac with AFP/AP/dpa
