The French daily warns that negotiations in Oman are likely to serve Iran as a delaying tactic, while Washington hardens its demands and prepares military options.
According to France’s Le Figaro, the negotiations scheduled for Friday in Oman between the United States and Iran are shrouded in mistrust and tension. The paper questions whether the Iranian regime is prepared to make any real concessions on its nuclear program under the threat of American military strikes.
The talks, the newspaper writes, got off to a poor start, with both sides struggling even to agree on a meeting venue. Senior US officials themselves appear unconvinced of the talks’ value. Vice President J.D. Vance said Iran is uniquely difficult to engage diplomatically, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio openly expressed doubt that any agreement can be reached with Iran’s leadership.
At best, Le Figaro argues, the talks may yield a weak, fragile and temporary agreement. In theory, Iran’s weakened position after last June’s “Twelve-Day War” should push it toward limited concessions. Its regional allies, Hamas and Hezbollah, suffered heavy blows from Israel, while Russia—preoccupied with Ukraine—has shown little willingness to provide meaningful support.