Washington: Washington is poised to engage in another round of negotiations with Tehran in Geneva, contingent upon Iran submitting a detailed nuclear proposal within the next 48 hours, as reported by Axios. This development was confirmed by a senior US official who emphasized the importance of a concrete Iranian submission to initiate "detailed negotiations" aimed at a nuclear agreement. The potential for an interim deal exists, setting the stage for a comprehensive agreement.
According to Anadolu Agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed to CBS that the proposal is still under development, with ongoing efforts to address both sides' concerns. While the Iranian leadership has yet to approve the proposal, Araghchi expressed optimism about progress in the forthcoming meetings. He anticipates a meeting in Geneva on Thursday, contrary to Axios's report of a Friday meeting, and believes both parties can prepare a substantive text quickly. He reiterated the possibility of a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear issue.
Araghchi addressed the implications of US President Donald Trump's military threats, suggesting they could be pressure tactics. He stressed that diplomacy remains the only viable solution, dismissing any military buildup as ineffective in resolving the issue. He also resisted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's insistence that negotiations should include discussions on ballistic missiles and Iran's regional activities, maintaining that current talks are focused solely on nuclear matters.
Senior US officials have cautioned that the ongoing diplomatic efforts might be the last opportunity before Washington considers a large-scale joint military operation with Israel, potentially targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei directly, as reported by Axios.
The discussions are set against a backdrop of increased US military presence in the Middle East, including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and additional fighter jets, with the USS Gerald R. Ford en route. Talks facilitated by Omani mediation resumed earlier this month in Muscat, followed by another round in Geneva last Tuesday. US Vice President JD Vance described the Geneva meeting as "productive only in some ways," citing Tehran's reluctance to discuss certain "red lines" set by President Trump. Meanwhile, Araghchi noted a "more constructive" tone in the negotiations.
Trump has set a 10- to 15-day deadline for the negotiations to produce results, warning of potential military actions should diplomacy fail. This includes the possibility of a limited strike intended to pressure Iran into serious negotiations.