American and Iranian officials conducted three hours of indirect negotiations Thursday in Geneva, focusing on Tehran's nuclear program and uranium enrichment activities. The diplomatic meeting comes as the U.S. has positioned military assets in the Middle East to increase pressure on Iran.
American and Iranian representatives engaged in indirect diplomatic discussions Thursday in Geneva, addressing Tehran’s nuclear program in what many consider a final opportunity for peaceful resolution before potential military action.
Special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff conducted message exchanges with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, working to persuade Iran to cease uranium enrichment activities that could lead to nuclear weapons development and to reduce or eliminate long-range missile production. President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, participated in the discussions.
The diplomatic session continued for approximately three hours before American representatives departed the venue. According to Iranian state media, negotiations will continue following a recess.
These current negotiations represent a renewal of diplomatic efforts between Witkoff and Araghchi, who conducted several discussion rounds last year before talks broke down when Israel initiated military operations against Iran in June. Oman, the Arabian Peninsula nation that has historically facilitated communications between Iran and Western powers, is once again serving as mediator.
Iran insists the discussions should concentrate exclusively on nuclear matters, while America seeks complete cessation of Iranian uranium enrichment. However, Washington’s agenda extends beyond nuclear concerns to include ballistic missile capabilities, Tehran’s support for regional proxy groups, and additional security issues.
Military escalation remains a significant concern for regional stability. Iranian officials have declared that any American military strike would result in targeting all U.S. military installations throughout the Middle East, potentially endangering thousands of American military personnel. Tehran could also launch retaliatory attacks against Persian Gulf allies of America or Israel. Recent days have seen oil prices increase partly due to these escalating tensions.
The United States has deployed naval vessels and aircraft to the Middle East region as a show of force designed to encourage Iranian cooperation in reaching a diplomatic agreement.