US-Iran talks to begin as fear of outright conflict continues

Senior American and Iranian officials are expected to meet in Oman for direct talks in the coming hours amid a crisis that has increased fears of military confrontation between the two countries, reports BBC, broadcast Periscope.

Discussions come after an American military rally in the Middle East in response to Iran's violent crackdown on antigovernmental protests across the country last month, which, according to human rights groups, killed thousands of people.

Uncertainty over location and scope had threatened to derail talks, which are part of a diplomatic effort by regional mediators to cut tensions.

The two countries remain far apart in their positions. The hope is that, if discussions succeed, they could lead to a framework for negotiations.

The United States, which demands Iran freeze its nuclear programme and abandon its enriched uranium reserves, had said talks should include Iran's ballistic missiles, the country's support for regional armed groups and the treatment of its citizens.

However, Iran has said discussions will be limited to its nuclear programme and it is not clear whether these disputes have been resolved.

In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Iran unless an agreement is reached. The U.S. has sent thousands of troops and what Trump has described as a <x0mada” in the region, including an aircraft carrier along with other warships, as well as fighter planes.

Iran has pledged to respond to a forced attack, threatening to hit American military assets in the Middle East and Israel.

The Iranian delegation would be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Arghchi, who said last week that his country's armed forces were “with fingers on foot”, while the US would be represented by special envoy Steve Whitoff and Trump's groom, Jared Kouchner.