The White House said on Thursday that President Donald Trump prefers diplomacy as the primary approach toward Iran and is willing to see whether a deal can be achieved during crucial talks. However, officials emphasized that military options remain on the table if negotiations fail.
Preparations were nearly complete for Friday’s meeting in Oman, taking place amid rising tensions as the United States continues to bolster its military presence in the Middle East. Trump has described the buildup as a powerful “armada,” while regional countries are attempting to prevent the situation from escalating into a broader conflict.
Despite ongoing disagreements over the scope of the talks, both sides were expected to proceed. Washington has previously pushed for discussions to include Iran’s missile program and regional activities, while Tehran has insisted that negotiations focus solely on its nuclear program. It remains unclear whether this dispute has been resolved.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump consistently prioritizes diplomatic engagement, whether dealing with allies or adversaries. She reiterated the president’s firm stance that Iran must have no nuclear weapons capability.
Leavitt said Trump is open to reaching an agreement but warned that, as commander in chief of the world’s most powerful military, he has alternatives beyond diplomacy if necessary.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi traveled to Oman on Thursday. His spokesperson said Iran would participate seriously in the talks, aiming for a fair and mutually respectful agreement on the nuclear issue, and expressed hope that the US would approach negotiations responsibly.
Araqchi is expected to meet in Muscat with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner.
Ahead of the talks, Iran’s state media reported that the Khorramshahr-4, one of the country’s most advanced long-range ballistic missiles, had been deployed at an underground Revolutionary Guards facility. The missile reportedly has a range of 2,000 kilometers and can carry a heavy warhead. The US has urged Iran to sharply limit the range of its missiles.
Trump’s warnings and Iran’s threats of retaliation have prompted regional leaders to intensify diplomatic efforts. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara is working to prevent tensions between Washington and Tehran from triggering a new regional war. He suggested that direct talks between senior US and Iranian leaders could help ease the situation.
Uncertainty over the talks’ location and format earlier this week further fueled tensions, which have already been high following Iran’s recent crackdown on protests.
Asked whether Iran’s Supreme Leader should be concerned, Trump said he should be “very worried.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking during a visit to the Gulf, said there was deep concern about possible escalation and urged Iran to reduce tensions and contribute to regional stability.
Gulf Arab nations fear they could be targeted if Iran follows through on threats to strike US bases in the region. China said it supports Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy while opposing threats and sanctions.
Trump has warned that serious consequences could follow if no agreement is reached.
While Iran maintains that discussions must remain limited to nuclear issues, US officials say talks must also address Iran’s missile capabilities, regional proxy support and domestic policies. Iranian sources claim Washington wants Tehran to cap missile ranges at 500 kilometers.
Iran’s regional influence has been weakened by Israeli strikes on allied groups and political changes in Syria. Tehran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, while the US and Israel accuse it of past weapons-related ambitions.
The United States has deployed thousands of additional troops to the Middle East, along with an aircraft carrier, warships, fighter jets and surveillance aircraft.
Trump has reiterated that if diplomacy fails, “bad things” are likely to happen.