Regional officials said they have lowered their expectations for the February 6 meeting in Oman after discussions with Iranian diplomats, with the "indirect" talks now expected, according to Iranian experts on February 4.

Regional officials said a meeting has been agreed to take place in Oman, but they are still negotiating the scope of the talks and whether officials from other interested countries will join; it appears unlikely at this time. 

The officials stressed that mediators' main goal in the talks is for the two sides to issue a joint statement affirming their commitment to diplomacy and agreeing to reduce tensions and halt hostilities.

Regional officials involved in efforts to reduce tensions said they have lowered their expectations for the meeting after conversations with Iranian diplomats.

The comments echo those of Tehran's diplomats, who suggested that US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff may be joined by Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law. Kushner's presence has not yet been confirmed by US negotiators; however, Israeli journalist Barak Ravid said on social media he would attend the discussions. 

The United States and Iran disagree on a range of issues. Tehran only intends to discuss its nuclear programme, while the Trump administration wants broader talks on limiting Iran's missile programme and its support for allied proxy forces in the region.

Iran may have achieved a tactical victory by successfully moving the talks to Oman, a more friendly location where Iranian officials face less pressure from major regional powers such as Turkey and are not under intense scrutiny from the world's media.

However, the US side appears set on direct talks despite Iranian statements, with confusion now between the two sides and the possibility of Kushner being present to try to clinch a deal with Tehran. 

Ural Tuga, a researcher at the Centre for Iranian Studies in Turkey, said: "Iran is trying to change the location of the talks because it assessed the multilateral and open format in Turkey as a high-risk, low-return situation. This move is a strategic attempt to change the terms of the negotiation in its favour."

Officials involved in the effort said the evolving demands of both sides have made diplomatic planning particularly complicated, with several regional countries seeking to be present to assess whether a potential war will break out if discussions fail.

Iran has already allegedly launched several drones towards the USS Abraham Lincoln currently sitting off the coast of Oman, with the aircraft carrier already shooting down at least one of the spy drones on January 4.