Oman announced yesterday that Iran and the United States have shown willingness to explore new solutions as indirect negotiations between the two nations kicked off in Geneva. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi stated that negotiators displayed a remarkable openness to novel and innovative ideas and resolutions during discussions with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as per a statement from the foreign ministry.
Iran has committed to demonstrating flexibility during the talks, facing pressure to reach an agreement to avoid potential military actions by the US. The third round of discussions in Geneva, which commenced in the morning, aimed to address Iran’s nuclear program amidst a significant military presence in the Middle East following directives from President Donald Trump.
Rafael Grossi, the head of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has participated in the latest round of indirect talks, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. An Iranian state TV correspondent mentioned that Grossi is actively involved in the talks as a technical observer to enhance the precision and seriousness of the discussions.
After a break, both US and Iranian negotiators are set to reconvene later in the day to continue the talks, with hopes of making further advancements, as stated by the Omani foreign minister. A senior Iranian official informed Reuters that the discussions introduced new concepts requiring consultations with Tehran, while acknowledging existing gaps. The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed that talks with the US would resume between 17:30 and 18:00 Geneva time.
US Vice President JD Vance issued a warning to Iran on Wednesday, urging them to take the US military threats seriously. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei assured that the negotiations would concentrate solely on nuclear issues and the removal of sanctions, emphasizing Tehran’s commitment to engage with sincerity and flexibility.
In a separate development, New Zealand enforced travel restrictions on 40 individuals from Iran due to their involvement in suppressing protests, with a senior official accusing Tehran of causing casualties in the thousands. Meanwhile, the United States unveiled new sanctions targeting Iran, focusing on over 30 individuals, entities, and vessels allegedly facilitating illicit petroleum sales and weapons production.
In Iran, a prominent university took action against three students for burning the national flag during recent anti-government protests, as reported by local media. The University of Tehran suspended the students temporarily pending a disciplinary hearing following their disrespectful act towards a symbol of Iranian identity.