04.02.2026 19:54
The nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, on the brink of war, have reached a deadlock before they even began. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the location of the meeting, designated to be in Oman, is still not clear, and added a condition: "We thought we would meet in Turkey, we are still working on it. In order for the talks with Iran to be meaningful, the issue of ballistic missiles should also be addressed."
U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated, "In order for the talks with Iran to be meaningful, the issue of ballistic missiles should also be addressed."
RUBIO'S STATEMENT ON IRAN
Following the protests that erupted in Tehran and spread across the country, the nuclear negotiation talks between Iran and the U.S. reached a breaking point even before they took place. After the location of the talks, initially said to be in Istanbul, was indicated to be Oman, a notable statement came from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"THE ISSUE OF BALLISTIC MISSILES SHOULD ALSO BE ADDRESSED IN THE TALKS"
Pointing out that the location of the talks is still not clear and that Iran did not accept after Turkey approved it, Rubio also set the condition of "ballistic missiles." Rubio said, "We thought we would meet in Turkey, we are still working on it. In order for the talks with Iran to be meaningful, the issue of ballistic missiles should also be addressed."
TRUMP: THEY WANT TO DO SOMETHING
On the other hand, U.S. President Donald Trump made statements regarding the agenda after signing the budget package containing two weeks of temporary funding in the Oval Office. In response to a question about the negotiations with Iran, Trump stated that the negotiations are ongoing, saying, "They want to do something, let's see if a concrete result will come out."
"WE ARE ACTIVELY DISCUSSING WITH THEM"
Recalling the "Midnight Hammer Operation" targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, Trump said, "They had an opportunity before, but it didn't work, and we carried out the 'Midnight Hammer Operation.' I don't think they want that to happen again. They want to negotiate. We are currently actively discussing with them." Trump refrained from providing details about the location and timing of the planned meetings within the negotiations.
IRAN WANTS TO LIMIT THE TALKS TO NUCLEAR ISSUES
According to a report by Axios, based on two officials who wished to remain anonymous, Iran has requested changes in the format and venue of the negotiations to be held with the U.S.
The report claimed that the talks, which were alleged to take place in Istanbul on Friday, February 6, were moved to Oman at Iran's request, and that the U.S. accepted this request.
The report indicated that "many Arab and Muslim countries were planned to participate as observers in the talks in Istanbul," while it was claimed that Iran wanted the negotiations to be conducted only in a bilateral format with the U.S.
The report stated that the reason for the Tehran administration's request was "to limit the talks only to nuclear issues and to avoid bringing up topics such as missile programs and proxy groups that are priorities for other countries in the region."
It was claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Representative Steve Witkoff would meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Turkey on February 6 to discuss a possible nuclear agreement.
FIRST MEETING AFTER JUNE 2025
This will be the first meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials following the clashes that occurred between Iran and Israel in June 2025, which lasted for 12 days.
On the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the revolution in Iran, Araghchi stated in a speech at the tomb of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Khomeini in the capital Tehran that Iran is ready for diplomacy, saying, "However, diplomacy is incompatible with pressure, intimidation, and the use of force. We hope the results will emerge soon."
PROTESTS IN IRAN
Protests that began in the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, led by tradesmen, spread across the country due to the rapid depreciation of the local currency against foreign currencies and the deepening economic troubles on December 28, 2025.
During the protests that escalated in the capital Tehran on January 8, the government had blocked internet access due to the incidents that occurred.
The Iranian Foundation for Martyrs and Veterans announced in a statement on January 21, based on the Forensic Medicine Institution, that 3,117 people, including security forces and civilians, lost their lives during the protests.
It was stated that 2,427 of these individuals were security forces and civilian citizens killed by "armed terrorist groups," while no information was provided about 690 individuals.
Although the protests in Iran have ended, HRANA, based in Virginia, continues to update the death and detention counts, claiming to have verified more cases.