Iran has announced that it has reached an understanding with the United States on the main “guiding principles” to resolve their dispute over Tehran’s nuclear programme, though both sides stressed that further work is needed. Speaking after indirect talks in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said discussions were constructive, while the US described the meeting as “progress.”
Oman, which mediated the talks, confirmed that the negotiations made “good progress” in identifying common goals and technical issues. The talks come against the backdrop of heightened US-Iran tensions, including repeated military threats from Washington in response to Iran’s crackdown on anti-government protests and its nuclear ambitions. President Donald Trump indicated that Iran appears motivated to negotiate, warning that failing to reach a deal would carry serious consequences.
Details of the Geneva discussions remain limited. Iran focused on its nuclear programme and the potential easing of US economic sanctions, while Washington has expressed interest in broader issues, including Iran’s missile development. A US official said the Iranians would return within two weeks with proposals to address outstanding points.
Tensions escalated alongside a US military build-up in the Middle East. Satellite imagery confirmed the USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran, and reports indicate the USS Gerald R Ford could arrive soon. Iran responded with a show of force in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil export route, through a maritime drill by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
While US officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the difficulty of reaching a deal, both sides framed the talks as a “very important” step toward a diplomatic resolution, continuing a series of indirect negotiations that began earlier this year in Oman.
