US and Iran Start Nuclear Talks in Oman as Democrats List DHS Demands

Negotiators from the United States and Iran sat down in Oman today for talks on Iran's nuclear program. The meeting comes after months of threats and a US military buildup in the region. On the home front, Democrats released a list of demands aimed at changing how Department of Homeland Security officers enforce immigration rules.

Background

The US and Iran have a long history of tension over the nuclear issue. Back in 2018, President Trump pulled the US out of a deal that limited Iran's nuclear work in exchange for easing sanctions. Since then, Iran has pushed ahead with enriching uranium, getting close to levels needed for bombs. Last June, the US and Israel bombed some of Iran's nuclear sites and missile facilities. That set back Iran's program, but leaders in Tehran kept talking about their right to enrich uranium.

Things heated up again last month. Protests broke out across Iran against the government. Security forces cracked down hard, killing thousands according to rights groups. President Trump spoke out against the violence and moved Navy ships and fighter jets to the area. He warned Iran that time was running out for a deal. Iran canceled talks once but agreed to meet after help from Oman and other neighbors.

Earlier rounds of talks happened in Oman last year, but they stopped when the war started. Now, with US forces nearby, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, both sides are under pressure. Iran faces economic pain from sanctions and setbacks from the bombings. The US wants to stop any chance of Iran getting a bomb.

Democrats have been pushing for changes at DHS for a while. Immigration has been a hot topic, with debates over border security and how agents treat people. The new list from Democrats comes as Congress works on funding bills. Republicans control parts of the process, but talks are ongoing.

Key Details

The talks in Oman started around 11 a.m. local time after a short delay. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Oman's foreign minister first. The US team includes Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. They are holding indirect talks, meaning they do not sit in the same room.

US Demands Go Beyond Nuclear

The US wants more than just nuclear limits. Officials say they seek zero nuclear capability for Iran. They also want curbs on Iran's ballistic missiles, which can hit far away. Plus, the US aims to end Iran's support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the talks cover Iran's treatment of its own people too.

Iran says it will only discuss the nuclear program. Tehran rules out talks on missiles, calling them defense tools. But Iran might offer to hand over some highly enriched uranium and limit enrichment under a group deal. Iran insists it has a right to enrich for power plants and denies wanting bombs.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned Iran about US options.

"While these negotiations are taking place, I would remind the Iranian regime that the president has many options at his disposal, aside from diplomacy, as the commander-in-chief of the most powerful military in the history of the world." – Karoline Leavitt

Iran's Araghchi posted on social media before the talks.

"Iran enters diplomacy with open eyes and a steady memory of the past year. We engage in good faith and stand firm on our rights." – Abbas Araghchi

Democrats' DHS Demands

Democrats unveiled their list today. It calls for big changes in how DHS immigration officers work. Key points include better training on rights, limits on raids in sensitive places like schools and churches, and more oversight on detentions. They want agents to focus on serious threats, not families or long-time residents.

The demands come as a funding fight brews in Congress. Republicans have not rejected them yet, but talks will be tough. NPR's Claudia Grisales noted that a short-term funding bill might buy time. Democrats say these steps would make enforcement fairer without weakening borders.

What This Means

For the nuclear talks, success could ease tensions and avoid war. A deal might lift some sanctions, helping Iran's economy. But sticking points like missiles make it hard. If talks fail, Trump has said bad things could happen, with US forces ready nearby. Iran is weak after protests and bombings, so it might give ground on nuclear work but hold firm elsewhere.

The US buildup shows seriousness. Navy ships and planes give use. Iran showed off a new missile today, signaling it won't back down easy. Oman hosts because it stays neutral and has helped before.

On DHS, the Democratic list sets up a battle in Congress. It could shape immigration policy for years. If added to a funding bill, it would change daily operations for thousands of agents. Republicans might push back, saying it ties hands on security. With midterms coming, both sides have reasons to deal or fight.

Broader effects touch allies. Israel watches close after last year's missile attacks that killed dozens. Gulf states worry about Iran proxies. A deal could calm the region; failure might spark more conflict.

Protests in Iran add pressure. Trump voiced support for demonstrators, tying human rights to talks. Iran sees that as meddling. The outcome here could affect Iran's rulers at home and abroad.

Immigration demands link to US politics. Democrats aim to appeal to voters on reform. It tests party lines as budget deadlines near. Lawmakers have little time, so compromises or delays loom.

These stories show US foreign and domestic challenges colliding. Nuclear risks meet border debates, both with high stakes.