The United States and Iran wrapped up their third round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva on Thursday, with both sides signaling cautious optimism but falling short of a finalized agreement. The six-hour talks – described by Iran’s foreign minister as the “longest and most serious” round yet – were mediated by Oman’s foreign minister, who said the sides achieved “significant progress” and will resume technical discussions in Vienna next week.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner represented Washington, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led Tehran’s delegation. The US pushed for limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment and long-term verification of its nuclear program, while Iran insisted on retaining enrichment rights under IAEA oversight. Araghchi told state media the sides had identified the main elements of a potential deal, though differences remain.
The backdrop to these talks is a massive US military buildup in the Middle East, with warships and airpower positioned around Iran. Vice President JD Vance said Washington prefers diplomacy but warned that evidence of Iran attempting to rebuild nuclear weapons capability remains a concern. A senior US official described the talks as “positive,” while acknowledging the next round could be decisive – with many in the Trump administration viewing this as a final window for diplomacy before potential military action.
