GENEVA (APP): Iran said on Tuesday it had reached broad agreement with the United States on “guiding principles” for a potential deal during indirect talks in Geneva aimed at averting conflict, though Washington indicated significant differences remained.
The negotiations, mediated by Oman, focused on easing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme amid concerns about possible US military intervention in the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi described the talks as “more constructive” than previous rounds, saying both sides had agreed on a framework to begin drafting a potential agreement.
“Ultimately, we were able to reach broad agreement on a set of guiding principles, based on which we will move forward and begin working on the text of a potential agreement,” he told state television, adding that draft proposals would be exchanged before scheduling a third round of negotiations.
In Washington, US Vice President JD Vance offered a more cautious assessment, saying diplomacy was continuing but Iran had not acknowledged all US red lines set by President Donald Trump.
“In some ways it went well… but the Iranians are not yet willing to acknowledge certain red lines,” Vance said in a media interview, adding that the United States would continue diplomatic efforts while keeping other options open.
The talks come amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warning that Tehran could target US naval assets deployed near its waters if conflict erupted.
Iran has long sought relief from extensive US sanctions, including restrictions on its oil exports, while Washington has pushed for limits on Iran’s nuclear activities and raised concerns about its missile programme and regional influence.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said the negotiations had made “good progress” but cautioned that substantial work remained.
Meanwhile, the United States has increased military deployments to the region, including aircraft carriers positioned within operational range of Iran, as part of contingency planning.
Iran has also conducted military exercises in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route, amid repeated warnings that it could block the waterway in the event of conflict.
A previous diplomatic effort collapsed last year following strikes by Israel on Iranian targets, which escalated into a brief conflict involving US attacks on nuclear facilities.