US-Iran Talks: High Stakes Diplomacy Amidst Tensions

Plans for high-stakes negotiations between Iran and the United States are set for Friday in Oman, according to Iranian media. The announcement comes during a time of heightened tension following Tehran's severe crackdown on nationwide protests which saw substantial casualties and arrests.

While Oman's previous role as a mediator adds credibility to the reports, official confirmation from the sultanate is still pending. The US has maintained a cautious stance, not officially confirming the talks, but signaling their expectation for engagement despite recent military confrontations.

Meanwhile, human rights activists have reported alarming figures associated with the Iranian government's crackdown, including over 50,000 arrests and nearly 7,000 deaths. The Associated Press has been unable to verify these numbers due to Iran's extensive internet shutdown, which continues to hinder independent assessments.