US–Iran tensions: war or diplomacy? What you need to know

Key Points

• The US and Iran are engaged in high-stakes nuclear negotiations in Oman amid the largest US military buildup in the Middle East in recent years.
• The US demands Iran halt uranium enrichment and abandon its stockpile at 60% purity, aiming to prevent nuclear weapons development.
• Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful and insists on verification mechanisms; the talks have seen procedural progress but remain unresolved on core disputes.
• The US is preparing for a possible prolonged military campaign against Iran, signaling serious contingency planning if diplomacy fails.