Indirect talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Oman on February 6, 2026. Both sides initially used positive language. Iran’s foreign minister described the discussions as a “good start.” President Trump told reporters the talks were “very good” and said more negotiations are planned early next week. This marked the first meaningful round since US airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear-related sites in June 2025. The US delegation included senior officials from the State Department and Central Command.

The goal was to address Iran’s nuclear program—limiting uranium enrichment, allowing verifiable inspections, and potentially easing sanctions in return. Trump maintained pressure, warning of “very steep consequences” if no deal is reached. Iran insisted on guarantees against future US withdrawal from any agreement.

Almost immediately after the talks ended, the US announced a new round of sanctions on Iran’s oil exports. The measures targeted 14 vessels (part of Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to evade restrictions), 15 entities, and two individuals. This came minutes after the Oman discussions, under Trump’s renewed “maximum pressure” campaign.

Iran pushed back sharply. Officials called President Trump a “liar” and rejected claims of meaningful progress or agreed follow-up dates. They accused the US of misrepresenting the talks to create a false sense of momentum and denied any concrete agreements were reached.

The contradiction is stark: the US presented the talks as “very good” with future rounds planned, then imposed sanctions right after; Iran denied progress and accused the US of lying. This shows how fragile and contested the negotiations remain—both sides are engaged, but they are not on the same page.

For Africa, this is practical. The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of the world’s oil. Any escalation disrupts shipments, raises insurance costs, and pushes crude prices higher. Higher petrol leads to higher transport fares, more expensive goods, and greater hardship for families and small businesses. A stable agreement could lower volatility, ease inflation, and give governments more fiscal space for infrastructure, health, and education.

Diplomacy is slow, indirect, and full of contradictions. The fact that talks occurred at all is a shift after years of tension. But the sanctions and Iran’s denial remind us not to take early optimism at face value. The coming week will show whether real progress is possible or if the gap between the two sides remains too wide.