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Geneva is set to host another round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran on Thursday, according to a statement Sunday from Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi. The negotiations come as Iran faces escalating tensions, including the threat of military action from the U.S. And renewed domestic protests.
Oman has played a key role in facilitating indirect discussions between the two countries, having previously hosted talks on Iran’s nuclear program. The latest round in Geneva last week yielded what Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described as “a clearer path ahead,” according to reports from earlier this month.
Although the Trump administration has yet to publicly comment on the scheduled talks, it has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East in recent months, signaling a willingness to confront Iran. President Trump warned Friday that “limited strikes” against Iran were possible, a sentiment echoed by Iranian officials who have stated they are prepared for war if diplomatic efforts fail.
Araghchi, in an interview with CBS News shortly before Oman’s announcement, indicated that Iran expects to present a proposed deal to U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff during Thursday’s meeting. He expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a diplomatic solution, but reiterated Iran’s position that it has the right to enrich uranium. He also claimed his U.S. Counterparts had not requested zero enrichment during the previous round of talks, a point that contrasts with public statements from U.S. Officials.
According to Araghchi, the current discussions are focused solely on the nuclear issue, despite U.S. And Israeli desires to address Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for regional armed groups. Iran maintains that any negotiations must remain confined to its nuclear program.
The talks are taking place against a backdrop of renewed protests within Iran. Demonstrations erupted Sunday at several universities in Tehran and Mashhad, commemorating those killed during a crackdown on nationwide protests approximately six weeks ago. Videos circulating on social media depict confrontations between government supporters and anti-government protesters, with some chanting slogans against the government.
The protests follow a pattern of 40-day mourning periods, a tradition rooted in Iranian culture that often leads to further demonstrations. Activists estimate that over 7,000 people were killed during the previous wave of unrest, although the Iranian government has provided a significantly lower death toll of 3,117. The Associated Press has been unable to independently verify the figures due to restricted access and communication within Iran.
The current diplomatic efforts represent a renewed attempt to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, from which the U.S. Unilaterally withdrew in 2018 under President Trump. Prior to that withdrawal, Iran had reportedly halted uranium enrichment, but Araghchi asserted to CBS that Iran’s nuclear capabilities, including enrichment, are now “in a better situation” following alleged U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June. Trump claimed those strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites, but international inspectors have been barred from assessing the damage.
As of Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on social media that preliminary exchanges had yielded “encouraging signals,” while also affirming that Iran has “made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario.”
