US and Iran Officials Resume Critical Nuclear Talks in Geneva Amidst Military Tensions

Third Round of Talks Underway in Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland – A new round of critical indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran began today, February 26, in Geneva. This marks the third series of negotiations this month, following earlier discussions in Oman and a previous round in Geneva last week. The talks are being held against a backdrop of heightened military tensions and fears of a potential military conflict in the Middle East.

The US delegation includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law to President Donald Trump. Representing Iran is Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The negotiations are being mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is also expected to attend to provide an assessment.

Key Sticking Points and Demands

The discussions are focused on resolving a long-standing dispute over Tehran's nuclear program, which Western nations and Israel suspect is aimed at developing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran consistently denies, insisting its program is for peaceful civilian purposes.

Key issues on the negotiating table include:

• Iran's uranium enrichment activities: The US has demanded that Iran completely halt uranium enrichment and surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iran, however, is expected to present a new proposal that may include 'token enrichment' for medical and research purposes, asserting its right to peaceful nuclear technology.
• Iran's ballistic missile program: The US has been pushing for discussions on Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that Tehran's refusal to discuss these weapons is 'a big, big problem'. Iran has largely kept this issue off the negotiating table.
• Sanctions relief: Iran has demanded that US sanctions crippling its economy be part of any agreement.
• Support for armed groups: The US also seeks to address Iran's support for armed groups hostile towards Israel.

Context of Escalating Tensions

The resumption of talks follows a period of significant escalation. President Donald Trump, in his recent State of the Union address, accused Iran of 'pursuing sinister nuclear ambitions' and working on missiles that could threaten the United States. He reiterated his preference for a diplomatic solution but warned he would not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.

The US has undertaken a massive military buildup in the Middle East, deploying two American carrier groups within striking distance of Iran, leading to fears of a wider regional conflict. Last June, a previous attempt at negotiations collapsed after Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran, followed by US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has called the current talks 'a historic opportunity' and stated that a deal is 'within reach' if diplomacy is prioritized.