Iran says ‘good progress’ made in nuclear talks with US in Geneva

US insists Iran must halt uranium enrichment and has sought to expand negotiations to include missile issues.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that “good progress” has been achieved in indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States in Geneva. The talks, mediated by Oman, marked a significant step forward compared to earlier discussions, as both sides work toward a potential agreement on Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

Araghchi stated that broad principles have been agreed upon, which will serve as the foundation for drafting a formal deal. He emphasized that while a clear path has emerged, it will take time to bridge remaining gaps, with plans to exchange draft texts and schedule a third round of talks.

Iran insists that any agreement must allow for tangible economic benefits and uphold its sovereignty, rejecting demands for zero uranium enrichment and maintaining that missile capabilities are off the table.

Conversely, the US insists Iran must halt uranium enrichment and has sought to expand negotiations to include missile issues.

Meanwhile, regional tensions have escalated as the US deployed two aircraft carriers to the Gulf, with the USS Abraham Lincoln positioned near Iran. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued a stern warning, asserting Iran’s capability to sink US warships.

Iran has also conducted military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway vital for global oil exports, and temporarily closed parts of the strait as a security measure.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for any attack, potentially disrupting a fifth of global oil supplies and causing crude prices to surge. The country has also threatened to target US military bases in the region if conflict erupts.