Advisors to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated Friday that Tehran is pursuing a "real and fair" agreement in upcoming nuclear negotiations with the United States, set to take place this weekend in Oman. The talks come amid heightened tensions, with former U.S. President Donald Trump threatening military action if diplomacy fails.

Since the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 under Trump’s administration, Iran has steadily increased its uranium enrichment activities. The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly warned that Tehran is nearing the capability to produce nuclear fuel for a weapon—a claim Iran denies, insisting its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes.

Upon returning to office in January, Trump reimposed sanctions on Iran and called for fresh negotiations to curb its nuclear advancements. Last month, he escalated pressure by sending a letter to Khamenei, warning of potential military strikes if Iran refused to engage in talks.

Iran initially resisted direct talks with Washington, but Trump’s March 30 threat—"If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing, and it will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before"—appears to have shifted Tehran’s stance.

On Friday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei posted on X that Iran was "giving diplomacy a genuine chance in good faith and full vigilance," despite what he called "hostile rhetoric" from the U.S. He added, "We intend to assess the other side's intent and resolve."

Trump confirmed earlier this week that a U.S. delegation would meet Iranian officials on Saturday, describing the discussions as "almost the highest level." Iran’s foreign minister acknowledged the talks but referred to them as "indirect high-level" negotiations.

Omani officials are mediating the discussions, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff leading their respective delegations.

The IAEA reported in February that Iran had stockpiled approximately 274.8 kilograms (605 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%—just short of the 90% needed for weapons-grade material. While Iran maintains its nuclear activities are peaceful, Western nations remain skeptical.

The talks unfold against a backdrop of escalating Middle East tensions, particularly between Iranian-backed groups and Israel. A senior Khamenei aide recently warned that Iran could expel UN nuclear inspectors if pressured—a move the U.S. cautioned would be a dangerous escalation.

With both sides entering negotiations under the shadow of threats and mutual distrust, the outcome remains uncertain. The world watches to see whether diplomacy can avert a deeper crisis—or if the standoff will spiral into further confrontation.