Iran and U.S. Set for Third Nuclear Talks in Geneva

Diplomatic efforts to revive nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran are set to resume in Geneva, according to Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who confirmed that indirect talks will take place on Thursday. Oman continues to act as mediator between the two longstanding adversaries.

The renewed engagement follows heightened rhetoric and a visible U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump warned last week that “really bad things will happen” if a resolution to the nuclear dispute is not achieved.

Diplomatic Signals and Strategic Pressure

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed cautious optimism, stating that recent discussions had yielded “encouraging signals,” while emphasizing Tehran’s readiness for “any potential scenario.”

On the U.S. side, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff questioned why Iran had not yet “capitulated” under mounting economic and military pressure. Speaking in a televised interview, Witkoff suggested that Tehran’s refusal to curb uranium enrichment despite U.S. naval deployments in the region raised concerns about its long-term intentions.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded sharply, declaring on social media: “Curious to know why we do not capitulate? Because we are Iranian.” In a separate interview, Araqchi maintained that a diplomatic solution remains within reach.

Uranium Enrichment at the Core

The primary sticking point remains uranium enrichment. The United States insists Iran abandon enrichment activities on its soil, arguing that current levels — reportedly reaching 60% fissile purity — approach weapons-grade capability. Witkoff warned that Iran could be “a week away” from possessing sufficient industrial-grade material for bomb-making.

Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons and maintains that its program is for peaceful energy purposes. However, last year’s indirect negotiations collapsed over Washington’s demand for a complete halt to enrichment.

Earlier this year, the U.S. joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities, with U.S. President Trump claiming key sites were “obliterated.” Despite the damage, Iran is believed to retain previously enriched uranium stockpiles — a central issue in the current talks.

Fresh Concessions and Sanctions Debate

According to reports, Iran is considering new compromises, including transferring roughly half of its highly enriched uranium abroad while diluting the remainder. In return, Tehran seeks comprehensive sanctions relief and formal recognition of its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment.

Another area of friction concerns Washington’s push to broaden negotiations beyond the nuclear file to include Iran’s missile program and its support for regional armed groups. Iran has publicly rejected linking its missile capabilities to nuclear discussions, though sources suggest that support for certain regional actors may be negotiable.

Disagreements also persist over the mechanism and scope of lifting U.S. sanctions. Iranian officials indicate that significant gaps remain between the two sides.

Opposition Figures and Regional Implications

Witkoff disclosed that he met, at Trump’s direction, with exiled Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the son of the shah deposed in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. While no details were provided, the meeting underscores Washington’s parallel engagement with opposition voices.

Pahlavi has previously argued that U.S. military intervention could save lives and urged Washington not to prolong negotiations with Iran’s clerical leadership. His remarks follow recent unrest inside Iran, described by observers as the most severe domestic turmoil in decades.

As Thursday’s talks approach, both sides appear to balance diplomacy with deterrence. The Geneva meeting may determine whether negotiations can prevent further escalation — or whether the standoff edges closer to open confrontation.