Negotiators from Iran and the United States are currently engaged in a third round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland. The talks are being mediated by Oman, with officials on both sides expressing openness to exploring “new and creative ideas and solutions” to revive the stalled nuclear agreement.
The diplomatic efforts come at a time of increased military activity in the Middle East, as the United States has bolstered its military presence in the region. Several countries have issued warnings to their citizens to leave Iran due to concerns over a potential US attack, heightening regional tensions.
In his State of the Union address on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump adopted a confrontational tone but also indicated a preference for resolving the crisis diplomatically. Meanwhile, Iran has reiterated its commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution but has made clear it will defend itself if military action is taken.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized Iran’s stance, stating that the country remains “crystal clear” that it would “under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon.” He underscored Iran’s right to pursue “peaceful nuclear technology” for its people’s benefit, reaffirming Iran’s position in the ongoing negotiations.
IMPASSE ON NUCLEAR PROGRAM
The two countries renewed negotiations this month, seeking to break a decades-long impasse over Tehran's nuclear program, which Washington, other Western states and Israel believe is aimed at building nuclear arms. Tehran denies this.
Trump briefly laid out his case for a possible attack on Iran in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday, underlining that while he preferred a diplomatic solution, he would not allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
He has deployed fighter jets, aircraft carrier strike groups as well as destroyers and cruisers in the region, hoping to pressure Iran into concessions.
On Wednesday evening, Araghchi and Albusaidi discussed the proposals Iran will put forward to reach an agreement, according to a statement posted on X by Oman's foreign ministry.
PRESSURE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE IRAN
The biggest U.S. military deployment in the Middle East since the invasion of Iraq in 2003 has raised fears of a wider regional conflict. In June last year, the U.S. joined Israel in hitting Iranian nuclear sites. Iran has threatened to retaliate fiercely if attacked again.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the biggest U.S. aircraft carrier, left port near the Greek island of Crete on Thursday bound for shores near Haifa in northern Israel, where it is expected to arrive on Friday.
The U.S. has also sent around a dozen F-22 fighter jets to Israel - the first time Washington has deployed combat aircraft to the country for potential wartime operations, a U.S. official said.
The Trump administration has not formally announced the deployment. The Pentagon declined to comment.
Trump said on February 19 that Iran must make a deal in 10 to 15 days, warning that "really bad things" would otherwise happen.
Oil prices inched up on Thursday as investors gauged whether the talks could avert a military conflict that risks supply disruptions, though gains were capped by higher U.S. crude inventories.
Saudi Arabia is increasing its oil production and exports as part of a contingency plan in case any U.S. strike on Iran disrupted supplies from the Middle East, two sources said on Wednesday.
Araghchi said on Tuesday Iran aimed to achieve a fair, swift deal, but reiterated that it would not forgo its right to peaceful nuclear technology. Washington views nuclear enrichment inside Iran as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons.
"A deal is within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority," Araghchi said in a statement on X.
Reuters reported on Sunday that Tehran was offering new concessions in return for removal of sanctions and recognition of its right to enrich uranium.
But the sides remain sharply divided - even over the scope and sequencing of relief from crippling U.S. sanctions - a senior Iranian official told Reuters.
Within Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei faces the gravest crisis of his 36-year tenure, with an economy buckling under tightened sanctions and renewed protests following major unrest and crackdown in January.
