Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi described Thursday’s talks with the United States in Geneva as the “most intense” so far, signalling cautious optimism amid ongoing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme and international sanctions.
“Further progress has been made in our diplomatic engagement with the United States. This round of talks was the most intense so far,” Araghchi said in a statement on X overnight. He added that negotiators had made “very good progress and entered into the elements of an agreement very seriously, both in the nuclear field and in the sanctions field.”
Araghchi declined to provide detailed specifics, saying only that Iran had “very clearly stated our demands.” He noted “evident seriousness” on both sides to reach a negotiated solution. Technical teams are expected to continue discussions at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna on Monday, while another round of talks between Iran and the US could take place in less than a week.
The talks come amid heightened regional tensions, with a significant US military presence in the Middle East and repeated warnings from President Donald Trump of potential strikes if negotiations fail.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who mediated the Geneva talks, said there had been “significant progress in the negotiation” without elaborating. Iranian state media reported that Tehran is determined to continue uranium enrichment, reject proposals to transfer material abroad, and push for the lifting of sanctions, signalling it is not prepared to meet all US demands.
“The stakes could hardly be higher,” Araghchi told India Today, warning that a US attack could trigger a regional conflict. “Since the Americans’ bases are scattered through different places in the region, then unfortunately perhaps the whole region would be engaged and be involved, so it is a very terrible scenario.”
Experts suggested the talks’ continuation indicates potential common ground. Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group said the US delegation’s return to the table showed “enough common ground between the two sides.”
Last year’s negotiations collapsed following Israel’s 12-day war against Iran in June and US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The current discussions, led by Araghchi for Iran and US envoy Steve Witkoff alongside Jared Kushner, were mediated by Oman and lasted several hours before adjournment.
While Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is peaceful, Washington suspects Iran is positioning itself to rebuild aspects of its nuclear capacity. Failure of talks could leave the region on edge, with oil prices and the threat of broader conflict rising alongside military uncertainties.
