The Geneva meeting is expected to focus on parameters for a potential agreement covering enrichment limits, monitoring, and sanctions relief. Officials on both sides have not confirmed the level of US representation, though American envoys are expected to attend.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Geneva on Sunday to lead Tehran’s delegation into a second round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States, as diplomacy resumes under mounting regional tensions and US military buildup in the Arabian waters.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said Araghchi headed a “diplomatic and technical delegation” that left Tehran late Sunday for consultations in Switzerland ahead of Tuesday’s talks, which will again be mediated by Oman. The negotiations follow an initial round in Muscat earlier this month that restarted dialogue after months of stalemate.
“Indirect Iran-US nuclear talks will be held on Tuesday with the mediation and good offices of Oman,” the ministry said.
The Geneva meeting is expected to focus on parameters for a potential agreement covering enrichment limits, monitoring, and sanctions relief. Officials on both sides have not confirmed the level of US representation, though American envoys are expected to attend.
DIPLOMACY RESUMES AMID NUCLEAR TENSIONS
These negotiations are taking place following a 12-day conflict in mid-2025 that included the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites.
During his Geneva visit, Araghchi is expected to meet Swiss and Omani officials as well as Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to Iranian officials. The meetings come amid international concern over Iran’s expanding nuclear programme, including its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
An Iranian diplomat said Tehran wants a new nuclear deal that would bring economic benefits to both sides.
Talks between Tehran and Washington had been suspended since last year’s conflict between Iran and Israel, which disrupted previous negotiation tracks and heightened scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear activities.
US MILITARY BUILDUP AMID TALKS
The diplomatic push comes as the US increases its military presence in the Middle East, deploying two aircraft carriers — the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford — and as President Donald Trump warns, force remains an option if talks fail.
“If we don’t have a deal, we’ll need it. We have one out there that just arrived. If we need it, we have it ready. A big, a very big force,” Trump said.
Asked about prospects for diplomacy, Trump added: “I think they’ll be successful, and if they’re not, it’s going to be a bad day for Iran, very bad.”
US officials have told American media that the administration is weighing options ranging from continued negotiations to potential strikes on Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructure if talks collapse.
ISRAELI PRESSURE ON ENRICHMENT
Israel has continued to press for maximal curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme as negotiations resume. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran must be stripped of enrichment capability entirely.
“The first is that all enriched material has to leave Iran,” Netanyahu said. “Dismantle the equipment and the infrastructure that allows you to enrich in the first place.”
Israel views Iran’s enrichment and missile activity as a major threat, but Iran says its nuclear programme is civilian.
Despite renewed engagement, deep mistrust persists between Washington and Tehran. Trump has questioned Iran’s commitment, saying Iranian officials “want to talk, but so far they do a lot of talking and no action.”
The outcome of the second round will likely determine whether negotiations advance toward a broader nuclear framework or revert to confrontation in a region already rocked by recent anti-government protests.
With inputs from agencies
