ALBAWABA- The second round of indirect nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in Geneva on Tuesday, with both sides reporting limited but tangible progress while acknowledging that major gaps remain.
Mediated by Oman, the talks followed an initial session held earlier this month in Muscat and come amid heightened regional tensions and lingering distrust after last year’s 12-day U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian facilities.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as constructive, saying “good progress” had been made toward a potential framework, though he cautioned that the drafting phase would be “difficult and sensitive.”
He reiterated Tehran’s position that Iran is not seeking to manufacture or acquire nuclear weapons, calling such arms “the most dangerous threat to humanity.” Delegations are set to return to their capitals for consultations before reconvening, with negotiations proceeding under the approval of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for what officials describe as a “real solution.”
The talks unfold against a backdrop of firm rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump, engaged through envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has warned of severe consequences if diplomacy fails, while Netanyahu has insisted that any agreement must fully dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and restrict its ballistic missile program.
According to reports, Iran has floated proposals including a temporary freeze on uranium enrichment, potential export of enriched stockpiles, and expanded trade arrangements contingent on sanctions relief.
Tehran, however, has rejected dismantling its entire nuclear program. Washington is pressing for a complete halt to enrichment activities and broader missile constraints, while Iran seeks significant sanctions easing, including access to frozen oil revenues.
Khamenei sharply criticized U.S. pressure, warning that Iran would not submit to coercion and signaling readiness to respond to any military escalation. At the same time, Iran’s parliament disclosed that the Supreme National Security Council had approved cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency inspections to verify the peaceful nature of nuclear activities.
Despite cautious optimism over continued dialogue, prospects for a comprehensive deal remain uncertain. With entrenched demands on both sides, the outcome of the next round could prove decisive for regional stability and the future of diplomacy between Tehran and Washington.
