Iran-US talks in Geneva: Araqchi begins second round
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi departed Tehran on Sunday afternoon for Geneva, Switzerland, in a diplomatic move aimed at resuming dialogue with the West. He will head his country's delegation to the second round of indirect talks with the United States, scheduled for next Tuesday, continuing the negotiation process recently launched with mediation from Oman.
Details of the second round in Geneva
The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated in an official statement that the Iranian delegation includes diplomatic and technical experts and is scheduled to hold a series of intensive diplomatic consultations. The visit's agenda includes meetings with the Swiss and Omani foreign ministers, as well as a planned meeting with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and other international officials. These meetings are of particular importance given the efforts to bridge the gaps in viewpoints regarding the stalled nuclear issue.
Background of the negotiations and historical context
This round of talks comes after Tehran and Washington resumed negotiations in the Omani capital, Muscat, on February 6. These talks were indirectly led by Araqchi with a high-level US delegation that included Middle East envoy Steve Wittkopf and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law. Previous talks had collapsed in June after only 12 days, impacted by Israeli military escalation and operations, which had frozen the diplomatic process for several months.
Key points of contention: nuclear versus regional
The gap between the two sides in the negotiations remains wide. The Islamic Republic of Iran insists on limiting the talks to the nuclear issue only, categorically denying any efforts to develop nuclear weapons and emphasizing the peaceful nature of its program. In contrast, the United States and Western countries adopt a more comprehensive approach. US officials stress the necessity for any future agreement to include restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile program, as well as addressing Tehran's regional influence and its support for armed groups in the region, which Washington considers a threat to regional security.
Military tension and field pressures
These talks are taking place at a highly sensitive time, with the language of military threats looming large. Washington has brandished military options against Tehran, coinciding with the deployment of an aircraft carrier and its strike group to the region in a clear message of deterrence. This external escalation comes at a time of internal developments in Iran, following a crackdown by authorities on anti-government protests last month, further complicating the position of the Iranian negotiator, who is seeking to end international isolation and alleviate economic and political pressures.
