Geneva: The United States and Iran are scheduled to engage in a new round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, this Thursday, as confirmed by Oman's foreign minister. This development marks a continuing effort by both nations to reach a nuclear agreement.
According to Anadolu Agency, Oman's foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, announced via US social media platform X that the negotiations are set to take place with hopes of progressing towards finalizing a deal. This round of talks follows earlier diplomatic efforts that resumed in Muscat, Oman, and a subsequent session in Geneva. Oman has been instrumental in facilitating indirect communications between the US and Iran in recent months.
The US news website Axios reported, citing a senior US official, that Washington is prepared to proceed with negotiations in Geneva, contingent on Iran presenting a detailed nuclear proposal within two days. This proposal could potentially lead to more comprehensive negotiations and might even result in an interim agreement prior to reaching a full-scale nuclear accord.
A senior US official confirmed the planned Geneva meeting to Axios, noting that the Trump administration is awaiting Iran's proposal, which is expected by Tuesday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an interview with CBS, mentioned that the proposal is still being refined, with both parties addressing mutual concerns and trust issues, although the Iranian leadership has not yet given final approval.
US officials have issued warnings that this diplomatic initiative could be the last opportunity before a potential large-scale joint military operation with Israel is authorized by Washington. This operation could target Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei directly, as reported by Axios. This warning comes amidst a buildup of US military forces in the Middle East, including the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and additional fighter jets, with the USS Gerald R. Ford also en route.
President Trump has set a 10- to 15-day timeframe for the negotiations to progress before considering military actions as an alternative, emphasizing his stance on Friday by considering a more constrained strike to compel Iran towards a 'serious' agreement.