Both sides report progress but key differences remain, with technical talks set to resume in Vienna next week
The US and Iran have concluded their third round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, with both sides describing the discussions as even more intense. Mediated by Oman, the talks produced an agreement to continue technical-level talks in Vienna from Monday, followed by another political round later in the week.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghi moderated the session “One of the most serious and lengthy negotiations” So far, note it “Good progress has been made” on both the nuclear issue and sanctions relief. However, he accepted it “Differences of Opinion” Persistent on some issues.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who shuttled between the two delegations, later said the discussions had concluded. “Remarkable progress.” IAEA chief Raffaele Grassi participated as a technical observer in the nearly six-hour meetings in the morning and afternoon sessions.
Here are some details of the talks.
What is America’s position on Iran?
The US delegation was led by Special Representative Steve Wittkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. According to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, Washington is urging Tehran to permanently dismantle its three main nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan and to send its remaining stockpile of enriched uranium out of the country.
Direct exit from the 2015 nuclear deal The US is insisting that any deal be permanent – a direct exit from the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump pulled out of during his first term.
Trump has warned that he has given Iran roughly 10 to 15 days to reach a deal “bad things” A diplomatic fiasco follows. In his State of the Union address earlier this week, he insisted that his priority remained a negotiated settlement, but he reiterated “Never Allow” Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
Washington has demanded that Tehran stop supporting regional armed groups and stop its crackdown on domestic protesters.
What are Iran’s red lines in negotiations?
Tehran has made clear that any deal must respect its sovereign right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes – something Iranian officials describe as non-negotiable, designating the nuclear industry as a key national strategic asset.
However, Iran reportedly agreed to a temporary moratorium on high-level enrichment, reducing enrichment levels from the current 60% purity to 1.5%, and processing enriched uranium through an Arab-Iranian consortium based inside Iran, allowing domestic activities to continue.
Iran has offered to dilute its existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium under IAEA supervision rather than ship it abroad.
Tehran has insisted that any deal must include a verifiable lifting of economic sanctions, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said. “The ball is in America’s court” To demonstrate true intent.
What is the most divisive issue in US-Iran talks?
The question of Iran’s ballistic missile program remains a significant sticking point. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Tehran’s refusal to discuss its missile capabilities. “Big, Big Problem” Iran insists its defense programs are not up for negotiation.
“We are not developing long range missiles” Araghi spoke to the media this week against Trump’s claim that Iran is working on intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland. “We intentionally have a range of less than 2,000 kilometers. Our missiles are defensive in nature.”
US intelligence assessments differ from Trump’s public statements about the urgency of the Iranian threat. Iran may be years behind the development, according to sources familiar with the intelligence reports cited by Reuters “Militarily Viable Intercontinental Missile” – A timeline that doesn’t support the president’s claim that Tehran could soon target the US mainland.
What is planned for the US military in the region?
The Geneva talks are unfolding against the backdrop of the largest US military build-up in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In recent weeks, the Pentagon has deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups to the region, along with dozens of advanced fighter jets, destroyers and missile defense systems.
Trump framed the deployment as a warning to Tehran.
US Vice President JD Vance said on Friday that Trump has not yet made a final decision on military action against Iran. However, Vance insisted that if such an option were to be made, it would be limited and would not drag the US into war in the Middle East for years.
Iranian officials responded by stressing that any attack would be provoked “Devastating War” And US bases and assets in the region are considered legitimate targets. A defense source in Tehran told RT that Iran’s response would be “Wide and Boundless” And efforts to place the blame on Israel do not change the scope of the retaliation.
Is America preparing for war with Iran?
On Friday, the US State Department authorized the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their family members from Israel. “Security Hazards” Amid heightened regional tensions.
A travel advisory warns of potential attacks “Terrorist Groups, Lone-Actor Terrorists and Other Violent Extremists” Tourist destinations, transport hubs and government facilities are targeted. It notices “The security environment is complex and can change quickly” And that’s it “Elevated regional tensions may cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights.”
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has reportedly urged personnel who wish to leave Israel to do so. “today” Warning of possible high demand for flights out of the country.
The move echoes similar precautions taken ahead of US strikes on Iranian facilities last June, with Washington pulling non-essential personnel from the region days before joining Israel’s 12-day air campaign against Tehran.
What is the next step in US-Iran talks?
Technical teams from both sides are due to meet in Vienna on Monday to work through the details of potential compromises, including procedures for review and the sequence of sanctions relief. The fourth round of political-level talks is expected to be held in a few days.
