Tehran / Istanbul – February 2026 Just days before the scheduled multilateral nuclear negotiations in Istanbul, Iran has requested a major format change: relocate the talks to Oman and shift to a strictly bilateral U.S.-Iran meeting, excluding all Arab participants. The demand, reported by multiple regional outlets and confirmed by diplomatic sources, represents a significant retreat from earlier understandings.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates had already been formally invited to the Istanbul round as part of the broader regional framework pushed by the Trump administration. Their inclusion was intended to create a unified Gulf–U.S. front on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Iranian officials justified the request by claiming the presence of Arab states would “politicize” the discussions and serve Israeli interests. Tehran reportedly prefers Oman as a neutral host with a history of discreet mediation (most recently in the 2023–2025 prisoner/hostage deals).

The move has frustrated Gulf capitals and raised questions about Iran’s seriousness. Saudi and UAE diplomats have privately described it as “classic Iranian stalling tactics.” The U.S. State Department has not yet issued an official response, but sources indicate Washington is consulting with Gulf partners before deciding whether to accept the change or insist on the original format.