Iran and the United States engaged in extended indirect discussions on Thursday regarding Tehran’s nuclear program but concluded without reaching an agreement, thereby keeping the possibility of another conflict in the Middle East alive as the significant U.S. military presence remains in the region.
The talks, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi in Geneva, saw what he described as “significant progress in the negotiation.” However, just before the discussions concluded, Iranian state television announced Tehran’s determination to persist with uranium enrichment, dismissing proposals for external transfers and demanding the removal of international sanctions, signaling a reluctance to meet the demands of U.S. President Donald Trump.
While Trump aims to restrict Iran’s nuclear activities, leveraging the country’s internal challenges amid domestic unrest, Iran seeks to avoid conflict while asserting its right to uranium enrichment and avoiding discussions on other contentious issues such as its missile program and support for armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Al-Busaidi announced that technical-level discussions are scheduled for the following week in Vienna, where the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is headquartered. Both American and Iranian representatives refrained from immediate comments on the matter.
In the event of a U.S. attack, Iran has warned that American military bases in the region could become legitimate targets, putting thousands of U.S. service members at risk. Additionally, Iran has threatened to target Israel, potentially sparking a broader regional conflict throughout the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the catastrophic consequences of such a conflict, stating, “There would be no victory for anybody — it would be a devastating war.” Despite the lack of an immediate breakthrough, Iran expert Ali Vaez noted the positive sign that the U.S. team did not withdraw immediately after Iran presented its latest proposal.
The recent talks mark the third meeting since last year’s discussions collapsed following a 12-day conflict initiated by Israel against Iran in June, coupled with substantial U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program remains uncertain.
Representatives from Iran, led by Araghchi, and the U.S., spearheaded by billionaire real estate developer Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, are participating in the negotiations mediated by Oman, a country that has historically facilitated communication between Iran and Western nations.
Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei of the Iranian Foreign Ministry reported that diplomats engaged in intensive negotiations, meeting with the Omani envoy and the IAEA head, with constructive proposals discussed on nuclear matters and sanctions relief.
While Trump insists on Iran halting uranium enrichment and reducing its missile program and support for armed groups, Iran maintains that it will solely address nuclear issues, asserting its peaceful nuclear program intentions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted Iran’s efforts to revive elements of its nuclear program, cautioning on its enrichment ambitions.
Amid the ongoing negotiations, uncertainties loom over the potential timing and nature of any U.S. military action against Iran, with the outcomes and broader regional implications remaining ambiguous. Concerns persist over possible retaliatory actions from Tehran, affecting American-allied nations and global oil markets, with recent movements of U.S. naval assets indicating heightened preparedness in the region.