Newspapers in Iran are starting to report that a visit from the leader of Oman to Tehran is a signal that possible talks between the U.S. and Iran might be a possibility to resolve disputes.

Leader of the Persian Gulf State, Qaboos bin Said, has been sought after for a long time as a possible mediator between both countries.  According to Iranian newspapers, this leader brought forth a plan to allow Iran readmission to an international money-transfer system if the country agreed to reduce uranium enrichment activities.  The transfer system, known as Swift, was blocked for Iran as a result of European sanctions.  The country was then limited from getting billions of dollars on deposit at numerous locations of overseas banks.

Many world powers, including the United States, are concerned about the potential for those in Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.  For many years, an international focus has been on how to curb the production of highly-enriched uranium that might be used to create nuclear weapons.

For several years, both leaders from the U.S. and Iran have been involved in international talks about Iran’s nuclear program, even agreeing to possible bilateral negotiations.  The movement forward in these talks, however, seems to have stalled.  The Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been resistant to making any concessions about the nuclear program when pushed by the United States and other countries.  Qaboos has good relations with both countries, making him an ideal choice to help mediate.

Qaboos is reported to have gotten special treatment during his visit.  It’s been noted that the purpose for his visit may have been leaked to the newspapers by individuals and groups opposed to any dealings with the United States that might result in concessions of the nuclear program.