Geneva, Switzerland. The United States and Iran could reach a framework for a deal if Washington separates nuclear and non-nuclear issues, a senior Iranian official told Reuters. The official said remaining gaps need to be narrowed during a third round of talks in Geneva.
Iran calls for recognition of peaceful nuclear rights and sanctions relief
The senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the negotiations have been intense and serious. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said Tehran’s right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes must be recognised and sanctions should be lifted.
Indirect talks aim to avert conflict amid regional military buildup
Iran and the United States are holding indirect talks in Geneva over their long-running nuclear dispute, to avert a conflict after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a huge military build-up in the region.
Washington says Iran is seeking the capability to make a nuclear bomb and has long sought to link the talks to other issues, including Iran’s arsenal of missiles and its support for armed groups in the region. Tehran says its nuclear programme is peaceful, has agreed in principle to accept curbs to its nuclear activities in return for the lifting of sanctions, but rejects tying the talks to other issues.
Oman cites positive ideas as talks pause and are set to resume
Mediator Oman said Iran and the United States could make more progress at talks on Thursday after exchanging “positive and creative ideas,” despite U.S. concerns about Tehran’s ballistic missile programme.
Reuters reported on Sunday that Tehran was offering undefined new concessions in return for removal of sanctions and recognition of its right to enrich uranium. Iran said earlier on Thursday it would show flexibility at the talks.
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said negotiators had taken a pause after the third round of talks got under way on Thursday morning and that the negotiations would resume later in the day. “We’ve been exchanging creative and positive ideas in Geneva today, and now both U.S. and Iranian negotiators have adjourned for a break. We’ll resume later today. We hope to make more progress,” he posted on X, without giving details.
What do you think are the main obstacles to narrowing the remaining gaps in the Geneva talks?