GENEVA: Iran and the United States are holding a fresh round of talks in Geneva on Thursday aimed at resolving their long-running nuclear dispute and averting potential military escalation following a significant US military buildup in the region.
The renewed negotiations, which began earlier this month, seek to address tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme, which Washington and its Western allies, along with Israel, believe could lead to the development of nuclear weapons — an allegation Iran denies, maintaining that its programme is for peaceful purposes.
According to officials, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, are participating in the indirect talks alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The negotiations are being mediated by Oman Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.
The discussions follow earlier meetings held in Geneva last week and come amid heightened tensions after Trump warned that Iran must reach an agreement within weeks or face serious consequences. In recent remarks, Trump said he preferred a diplomatic resolution but would not allow Tehran to obtain nuclear weapons.
US Vice President JD Vance reiterated Washington’s stance, stating that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remained the primary objective, including through military means if necessary.
Regional tensions and diplomatic push
The talks are taking place against the backdrop of an increased US military presence in the Middle East, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict. Iran has warned it would respond strongly to any new attack following previous strikes on its nuclear facilities.
Araqchi said Tehran was seeking a fair and swift agreement but stressed that Iran would not abandon its right to peaceful nuclear technology, including uranium enrichment. Diplomatic sources indicated that Iran had offered potential concessions in exchange for sanctions relief and international recognition of its nuclear rights, though significant differences remain between the two sides.
Within Iran, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is facing mounting domestic pressure amid economic challenges caused by sanctions and recent unrest.
Meanwhile, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi is also expected in Geneva to hold consultations with both delegations during the negotiations.