Geneva – Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran resumed in Geneva on Thursday, as both nations navigate a complex landscape of escalating military posturing and stalled diplomatic efforts. The talks, mediated by Oman, approach as the US continues to build its military presence in the Middle East and following a recent State of the Union address where President Donald Trump warned of Iran’s potential to strike the US mainland.
The current round of discussions, the third this year, is taking place at Oman’s ambassador’s residence. Leading the Iranian delegation is Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US is represented by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi confirmed the start of the talks, noting an “unprecedented openness to new and creative ideas and solutions” from both sides, according to France 24.
The negotiations are occurring against a backdrop of heightened tensions, stemming from a brief exchange of fire between Iran and Israel last summer, which led to a US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities before a truce was reached. US officials have repeatedly expressed concerns about Iran’s efforts to rebuild its nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities.
US Accusations and Iranian Response
Prior to Thursday’s meeting, US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that Iran is actively rebuilding its nuclear infrastructure and poses a significant threat to US interests. Rubio stated on Wednesday, “After their nuclear program was obliterated, they were told not to try to restart it, yet here they are,” referencing the June 22, 2025 strikes during the twelve-day war between Iran and Israel, The Guardian reported. He further claimed Iran is attempting to reach a point where it can enrich uranium again.
Tehran maintains its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes, a claim Washington disputes. Ali Shamkhani, a prominent advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, suggested an agreement is possible if negotiations focus exclusively on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, stating it aligns with a religious edict and Iran’s defense doctrine, as reported by The Guardian. Shamkhani also affirmed that Foreign Minister Araghchi has the authority to secure such an agreement.
Military Build-up and Regional Unrest
The diplomatic efforts are unfolding alongside a substantial US military build-up in the Middle East. This increased presence coincides with ongoing, though diminished, public unrest within Iran, following widespread protests last month. Vance emphasized the US position, stating, “The principle is very simple: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Iran has warned that it will exercise its right to self-defense and launch retaliatory strikes against US interests in the region should it be attacked, although Araghchi has acknowledged the country lacks the capacity to strike the US mainland. Rubio also highlighted Iran’s existing conventional weapons capabilities, claiming they pose a threat to Europe and are being developed to potentially reach the continental United States.
Ballistic Missiles and Potential Agreements
A key sticking point in the negotiations remains the issue of ballistic missiles. Rubio characterized Tehran’s refusal to discuss ballistic missiles as a “big, big problem.” Although, Iranian officials, as cited by the Associated Press, have dismissed the Trump administration’s claims as “big lies” and expressed optimism that an agreement can be reached through “honorable diplomacy,” according to the Associated Press.
President Trump has indicated a preference for a diplomatic resolution, but stressed the need for “progress” during Thursday’s talks. The director of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, was also expected to attend the negotiations, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
The talks are being conducted indirectly, with Oman acting as a relay between the two delegations. This format has been utilized in previous rounds of negotiations this year.
What comes next remains uncertain, but the outcome of these discussions will undoubtedly have significant implications for regional stability and the future of Iran’s nuclear program. Further developments are expected in the coming days as negotiators continue their efforts to bridge the gap between their respective positions.
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