Talks between the United States and Iran ended in Geneva on Thursday after mediator Oman signaled “significant progress”, offering cautious hope that a deal may still be within reach. The negotiations, which aim to curb Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for relief from US sanctions, come at a time of soaring military tension in the Middle East and repeated warnings from Washington that failure to agree could trigger serious consequences.
Oman, which has acted as a mediator for the two long-time adversaries, said the latest round concluded with enough movement to justify further discussions. The Technical-level meetings are now set to take place in Vienna next week, after both sides consult their leadership in Washington and Tehran. The outcome keeps diplomacy alive, even though sharp differences remain over uranium enrichment, sanctions and the broader scope of any future agreement.
In a post on X, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said, “We have finished the day after significant progress in the negotiation between the United States and Iran. We will resume soon after consultation in the respective capitals. Discussions on a technical level will take place next week in Vienna. I am grateful to all concerned for their efforts: the negotiators, the IAEA, and our hosts the Swiss government.”
Speaking to reporters after the talks concluded, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “These were the most serious and longest talks with US.” He added that the two sides had now entered serious discussions on sanctions relief and the nuclear issue.
Abbas Araghchi confirmed technical talks would begin in Vienna in less than a week. He stressed that Iran had clearly set out its demand regarding sanction relief, and noted that both sides would need to consult with their respective capitals before the next round.
The third round of talks in recent weeks involved two formats — indirect exchanges relayed by Oman and limited direct contacts between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s director general, Rafael Grossi, also participated.
GAPS REMAIN OVER URANIUM ENRICHMENT, SANCTIONS
Iran presented a draft proposal during the morning session, according to Axios. The US side was initially unhappy with Tehran’s position, but talks resumed later in the day after a break.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters: “There were new ideas that need to be consulted with Tehran. Still some gaps remain that need to be narrowed.”
The core dispute remains Washington’s demand that Iran halt all uranium enrichment, a process that can produce fuel for nuclear power but also material for a weapon, in exchange for sanctions relief. Tehran says enriching uranium is its sovereign right and refused proposals to shut down its nuclear sites or ship its uranium stockpile out of the country.
During the Geneva talks, an Iranian official said Tehran had rejected calls to permanently abandon enrichment or move uranium abroad. Instead, Iran proposed reducing its enriched stockpile to low levels under international monitoring.
WAR DRUMS IN BACKGROUND OF TALKS
US officials also want an agreement to address Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional activities, issues Tehran has ruled out. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran’s refusal to discuss missiles was a “big problem” that would need to be addressed.
The diplomatic push has unfolded against mounting military tension. US President Donald Trump has warned Iran it must reach a deal within weeks or face consequences, saying “really bad things” would happen otherwise.
Washington has reinforced its regional posture in recent months, deploying fighter jets and carrier groups and coordinating closely with Israel. Iran has threatened retaliation if attacked again, heightening fears of a wider Middle East conflict.
With inputs from agencies
