India, May 17 -- On May 11, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff met in Muscat for the fourth round of Omani-mediated nuclear talks since April 12. After the talks, the Omani foreign minister stated that the discussions included "useful ideas", reflecting a shared wish to reach an "honourable agreement", and that the fifth round will be held after both consulted their leaders. Initially scheduled for May 3, the fourth round was postponed for "logistical reasons". In the interim, the policy divide on Iran within the Trump administration played out in the media. However, the continued talks suggest both sides are serious about avoiding war. In fact, President Donald Trump has said that the US and Iran are close to a nuclear deal. Trump wants a deal that will permanently prevent Tehran acquiring a nuclear weapon. In 2018, Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreed in 2015 by the P5+1, calling it the "worst deal ever", focusing on the provisions stipulating expiry of restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme. Some Trump-team members, led by secretary of State Marco Rubio, have revived the demand of eliminating Iran's uranium enrichment programme. Others, including Witkoff, had suggested a scaled-back and heavily monitored enrichment programme. Tehran insists the new deal should guarantee its economic interests and mutual fulfilment of the commitments. Further, it is sticking to its long-held position that under Article IV of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), signatories have an inalienable right to civilian nuclear capability and that Iran cannot be treated differently. In response to the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and Israel's campaign of sabotage against its nuclear facilities and assassination of its top nuclear scientist, Tehran passed a law to scale up nuclear activity as a leverage-building exercise. It demonstrated a capacity to scale up fast by installing new-generation centrifuges and enriching uranium to 60%. During talks with the Joe Biden administration on JCPOA revival, Tehran argued that, since Washington could not provide guarantees against another withdrawal, there should be inherent guarantees allowing Iran to scale up its nuclear activities as a retaliation measure. In this context, it is unlikely that Iran will agree to dismantle its enrichment programme. Tehran, however, has indicated it isn't averse to potential scientific and commercial collaboration with the US for its civilian nuclear programme. Previously, analysts had pitched joint-venture enrichment plants, with European or even Russian and Chinese participation. In recent months, Iran has strengthened coordination with Russia and China on the nuclear issue. In mid-March, the US and five other countries convened a closed-door session of the UNSC, where the UK indicated support for the snapback of sanctions on Iran if necessary. Subsequently, after a meeting in Beijing, Iran, Russia and China issued a joint statement emphasising the importance of diplomatic engagement and dialogue. While noting that Iran was committed to full compliance with NPT and other obligations, they stressed the need to fully respect Iran's right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Opposing a potential snapback, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi stated it will destroy years of diplomatic efforts. Tehran has also made fresh overtures to the Europeans to ensure they do not side with the US's maximalist demands. For the success of the US-Iran talks, the role of the other members of the P5+1 will be crucial....