Tensions rise as the US and Iran prepare for talks in Oman on Friday, aiming to avoid war. Tehran insists the focus must be on its nuclear programme and lifting US sanctions, while Washington maintains military threats remain, with a significant US buildup in the region.

Joining Al Jazeera, Mohsen Milani, Executive Director at the Center for Strategic and Diplomatic Studies, University of South Florida, warned the region “is on the brink of a major war” and stressed that diplomacy “must be given a chance.”

He noted serious obstacles, including “irreconcilable threat perceptions” and Tehran viewing the talks as existential. On President Trump’s warnings to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Milani said, “It could be any of these, all of the above,” highlighting psychological and strategic manoeuvres ahead of negotiations.

Discussing Israel, Milani added, “Iran might have become weaker in the region, but domestically, there is no evidence that the repressive capabilities of the Islamic Republic have diminished.”

He concluded that regional powers like Qatar, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are playing a “very positive role” in pressuring Tehran and supporting US efforts to reach an agreement.