Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the conclusion of the round of negotiations in Geneva, describing them as one of the most serious and in-depth talks Tehran has had with the American side. Araghchi clarified in official statements that the discussions primarily focused on the issues of economic sanctions relief and the nuclear program, noting that both parties delved into substantive details that had not been addressed with such clarity before.
The Iranian minister affirmed that the diplomatic path will now move to the Austrian capital, Vienna, where technical-level talks are scheduled to begin next Monday. Araghchi stressed that Tehran clearly expressed its demands regarding the lifting of sanctions, confirming that a new round of political negotiations will be held with the United States in less than a week to follow up on what has been achieved.
For its part, media sources quoted a senior American official describing the atmosphere that prevailed during the Geneva negotiations as positive and constructive. These statements reflect a mutual desire to break the stalemate that has long overshadowed the nuclear issue, despite the significant gaps that still separate the positions of the two sides on strategic issues.
In a related context, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi stated that the negotiations witnessed significant progress between the Iranian and American delegations before their conclusion on Thursday. Al Busaidi indicated that the concerned parties would return to their capitals for a brief period of consultation, with technical meetings to resume in Vienna next week to finalize the practical frameworks for a potential agreement.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei revealed that important and practical proposals related to the nuclear field and the lifting of economic restrictions had been put forward. Baghaei explained that the resumption of talks after a short pause came as a result of a willingness to explore compromise solutions that guarantee Iran's nuclear rights and meet international demands for oversight and transparency.
Regarding bilateral meetings, press sources reported that Araghchi held a lengthy session, lasting about three hours, with prominent American officials, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. While some reports described the meeting as deep and intensive, other Iranian sources downplayed its official nature, considering it a protocol meeting held within the framework of usual diplomatic courtesies.
International reports indicate that American negotiators are adopting a tough stance demanding the cessation of uranium enrichment operations in Iran, allowing only very small percentages for medical purposes. American demands also include dismantling three main nuclear reactors and transferring enriched uranium stockpiles abroad, in exchange for exemptions and slight relief from the sanctions imposed on Tehran.
Observers believe that these accelerated diplomatic moves come under pressure from threats made by US President Donald Trump, who set a short deadline for reaching an agreement. Trump had warned of dire consequences and potential military action if the diplomatic path failed, emphasizing that he would not allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon under any circumstances.
In his last speech to Congress, the US President affirmed his preference for diplomatic solutions to end the nuclear crisis, but he linked this to a strict timeline not exceeding two weeks. This stance prompted the negotiating parties to intensify the pace of meetings in Geneva to try to reach a framework that prevents military escalation in the already turbulent Middle East region.
The United States insists that the ultimate goal of these negotiations is to ensure that Iran cannot produce a nuclear bomb, which requires a complete abandonment of current enrichment activities. In contrast, Tehran insists on its right to peaceful nuclear energy and demands a comprehensive and immediate lifting of the sanctions that have choked its economy over the past years.
With the file moving to Vienna next week, international circles are awaiting the outcome of the technical meetings, where complex details will be scrutinized by experts. The coming days remain crucial in determining the fate of the agreement, especially with the approaching end of the deadline set by the White House, amidst cautious hopes of avoiding a full-scale confrontation in the region.
We have entered serious talks regarding sanctions relief and the nuclear issue, and we will hold a new round with America in less than a week.
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Araghchi describes Geneva negotiations as most serious with Washington and announces technical round in Vienna