U.S. and Iran Set for Second Nuclear Talks in Geneva

Geneva: The United States and Iran are expected to hold the second round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program on Tuesday in Geneva, as the U.S. increases its military presence in the Middle East and Iran conducts large-scale maritime exercises.

Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to limit its nuclear program, while Iran has warned of retaliatory action. Trump has also issued threats over Iran’s suppression of recent nationwide protests.

The first round of talks on February 6, held in Oman, were indirect, with U.S. SUVs entering the venue only after Iranian officials appeared to have left. Details for Tuesday’s round of negotiations remain unclear.

Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are traveling for the new round of talks. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Budapest, Hungary, said Monday that the U.S. aims to reach a deal despite the challenges, emphasizing that the president prefers peaceful and negotiated outcomes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, leading the talks for Iran, met with the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency in Geneva on Monday. Araghchi wrote on X that he was in Geneva with “real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal,” stressing that submission under threats is not on the table.

Last week, a senior Iranian security official visited Oman and met with Badr al-Busaidi, the chief intermediary in the talks, likely reviewing updates from the first round and next steps. Al-Busaidi said on X that “regional peace and security is our priority, and we urge restraint and wise compromise,” after meeting Ali Larijani, secretary to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Historically, Iran has often communicated its positions in writing during negotiations with the United States. Notably, in 2019, then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attempted to deliver a letter from Trump to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which Khamenei refused to accept.

Tags: United States, Iran, Nuclear Talks, Geneva, Donald Trump, Abbas Araghchi, Middle East Security
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