Diplomacy is back on the table between the U.S. and Iran—sort of. The two countries resumed indirect nuclear talks in Oman on Friday, but if you're picturing a peaceful negotiating room, you should probably add aircraft carriers to that mental image.

Talking While Flexing

President Donald Trump described the discussions as "very good" and said more meetings are coming soon. When asked about the timeline for reaching an agreement, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that "we have plenty of time" and "we're in no rush."

But he also made clear that failure isn't without consequences, warning that not striking a deal would result in "very steep" repercussions. The exact nature of those consequences? Left to the imagination.

Military Muscle Joins the Conversation

Here's what's different this time: the U.S. brought Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command and the top military commander in the Middle East, to the talks. That's a first.

Meanwhile, U.S. warships—including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln—are operating near Iranian waters. The military presence follows recent tensions, including a U.S. shootdown of an Iranian drone and Iran's attempt to intercept a U.S.-flagged vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran Wants Less Pressure, More Trust

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made it clear that negotiations need to happen "without tension and without threats." He pointed to deep mistrust as the main roadblock and said pressure tactics aren't helping.

"The prerequisite for any dialogue is refraining from pressure," he told reporters.

Sanctions Land Right After Talks Wrap

As if to underscore Araghchi's point, the U.S. slapped new sanctions on Iran immediately after the meetings ended. The measures target Iran's energy sector, including oil tankers and trading firms accused of dodging existing restrictions.

Trump also signed an executive order authorizing potential tariffs on any country that buys Iranian oil. So much for easing the pressure.