US Refuses to Relocate Iran Talks, Turns Diplomacy into Location Standoff
KEY POINTS
- •The US and Iran agreed to meet Friday in Istanbul with other Middle Eastern observers present.
- •Iran requested moving the talks to Oman and shifting to a bilateral format focused only on nuclear discussions.
- •US officials rejected Iran’s demands, insisting on the original plan and preparing for other options including possible military action.
In a heartwarming story of stubbornness, the US told Iran 'this or nothing' about Friday’s nuclear talks location, politely ignoring Iran's request to swap Istanbul for Oman and limit chats to nukes only, not missiles. The senior official's deadpan 'Ok, then nothing' perfectly captures diplomacy in 2024. Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are off to Qatar for talks but plan a grand return to Miami—not Iran. Add Trump’s looming military threats if talks fail and a silent, apparently ghosting Iranian UN mission, and you've got a geopolitical soap opera where location wars trump actual discussions about world peace.
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Nothing says 'We want peace' like a global negotiation turning into a stubborn guy refusing to change the hotel's address. Who knew diplomacy hinged on geography and blocked missiles would be missiles in real communication?
When talks fail because someone won’t switch from Istanbul to Oman, you realize international relations might instead be about who wins musical chairs with countries.
The US staying firm on Istanbul? That’s like insisting on your favorite restaurant but refusing to order anything except the appetizer. Spoiler: No one's dining.
Source: Axios | Published: 2/4/2026 | Author: Barak Ravid
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