Oman-mediated talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva have concluded, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian noting a “good outlook” for a potential agreement on Tehran’s nuclear programme However, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that a final deal hinges on the US dropping its “excessive demands” The negotiations are seen as a critical effort to avert military conflict as the US conducts its largest military buildup in the region in decades
The talks, which included US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, aim to resolve a long-standing dispute over Iran's nuclear activities While Araghchi did not specify the demands, The Wall Street Journal reported that the US negotiating team would press Iran to dismantle its three main nuclear sites and hand over its remaining enriched uranium to the US Washington also seeks to curtail Tehran’s missile programme and its support for regional armed groups, elements Iran has insisted are not negotiable
Adding to the pressure, a confidential report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) urged Iran to allow comprehensive inspections of all its nuclear sites The UN nuclear watchdog highlighted a new enrichment plant in Isfahan as a particular place of interest, where it suspects near-bomb-grade uranium was stored The report could bolster US arguments that Tehran has not been transparent about its nuclear ambitions.
The diplomatic push is set against a backdrop of significant military tension. The US has massed forces in the region and President Trump has repeatedly threatened military action, giving Iran a 15-day deadline on February 19 to reach a deal In response, Iran has vowed to strike US bases in the region if it is attacked The outcome of these negotiations will be pivotal in determining whether diplomacy can de-escalate the growing confrontation.
Mohsin Rana
