Report: US, Iran Held Secret Talks Over Middle East Tensions

Facts

• Two senior White House officials held indirect talks with Iranian officials in Oman this week to prevent regional attacks following Iran's April 13 missile strike on Israel, Axios reported on Friday.¹
• Brett McGurk, Pres. Joe Biden's top Middle East adviser and Abram Paley, the US envoy to Iran, reportedly warned the Iranians of the consequences of their actions.²
• The two countries had reportedly held secret talks in January also, during which Washington allegedly tried to get Tehran to persuade Yemen's Houthi rebels to end their Red Sea attacks.³
• The Jan. 10 talks were held in Muscat between McGurk and Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran's deputy foreign minister and chief nuclear negotiator.⁴
• In March, the Iranian state news agency also confirmed reports that Washington and Tehran were holding discussions over Iran's nuclear program.⁵
• Last month, Iran launched 350 missiles and drones at Israel in retaliation for Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi's killing — marking its first direct attack on Israel.¹

Sources: ¹axios.com, ²jpost.com, ³ft.com, ⁴New York Times and ⁵Iran International.

Narratives

• Anti-Iran narrative, as provided by israeltoday.co.il. Pres. Biden's cautious approach to Iran, characterized by a reluctance to escalate tensions, has failed to adequately respond to its aggression. The administration's fear of a wider conflict has emboldened Iran and its proxies. A comprehensive strategy using diplomatic, economic, and military tools is needed to pressure Iran and protect American interests.
• Pro-Iran narrative, as provided by The Conversation. Pragmatism has been a part of Iran's approach to international relations. Despite decades of hostility, Iran and the US have engaged in multiple secret talks, showcasing a rare diplomatic engagement. The recent protests in Iran have further highlighted the regime's need for legitimacy, making diplomatic channels with the US a potential avenue for political gain.

Predictions