The United States and Iran have agreed to hold talks in Oman on Friday, marking a rare diplomatic engagement between the longtime adversaries, even as deep divisions remain over the scope of the negotiations.

Officials from both sides confirmed the meeting, which will be hosted by Oman, a country that has frequently acted as a discreet mediator between Washington and Tehran. The talks come amid heightened regional tensions and renewed concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities.

However, expectations remain cautious. U.S. officials insist that any meaningful negotiations must address not only Iran’s nuclear programme but also its ballistic missile arsenal and broader regional activities. Iran has firmly rejected that position, saying discussions will be limited strictly to its nuclear file.

Iranian officials have described Washington’s broader demands as unacceptable, arguing that its missile programme is defensive in nature and non-negotiable. The U.S., meanwhile, has warned that progress will be limited unless Iran is willing to engage on issues it says threaten regional and global security.

The talks in Oman follow months of escalating rhetoric, sanctions pressure, and warnings of possible military consequences if diplomacy fails. Analysts say the meeting is unlikely to produce immediate breakthroughs but could help prevent further escalation and reopen channels of communication.

Whether the discussions lead to sustained negotiations will depend largely on whether both sides can bridge their differences over the agenda an issue that has derailed past diplomatic efforts.