Iran and the United States have made considerable advancements in discussions in Switzerland, according to mediators. This latest round of negotiations aims to prevent a potential conflict between the two long-standing adversaries. The parties have agreed to continue talks next week in Austria, facilitated by Oman.
The talks, which have been mediated by Oman, come after repeated threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump against Iran. Last Thursday, Trump issued a 15-day ultimatum to Tehran to reach a resolution. While Iran has emphasized that the discussions should focus solely on its nuclear program, the U.S. is pushing for limitations on Tehran’s missile program and its backing of militant groups in the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed optimism about the progress made during the talks, stating that they have delved deeply into the elements of an agreement regarding nuclear activities and sanctions. He mentioned that the next round of discussions could take place in less than a week, with technical talks scheduled to commence at the UN’s nuclear agency in Vienna on Monday.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi also confirmed that technical discussions are set for the following week in Vienna, noting significant progress in the negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
These negotiations coincide with the significant military buildup by the U.S. in the Middle East. The U.S. and Iranian delegations met at the Omani ambassador’s residence under tight security, holding consultations with their respective capitals. The talks were described by Araghchi as the most intense so far, with a mutual understanding to engage in detailed discussions on crucial aspects including sanctions termination and nuclear-related steps.
In a notable development, UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi joined the negotiations, as reported by a source close to the talks. The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. negotiating team would demand Iran to dismantle its primary nuclear sites and transfer all remaining enriched uranium to the U.S.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, asserting its nuclear program is geared towards civilian purposes. As part of the escalating U.S. buildup, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, departed a naval base in Crete this week.
During his State of the Union address, former President Trump accused Iran of harboring “sinister nuclear ambitions,” alleging the development of missiles that pose a threat to Europe and U.S. bases overseas. This claim was refuted by the Iranian foreign ministry as baseless.
The maximum range of Iran’s missiles, as publicly disclosed, is 2,000 kilometers, with estimates by the U.S. Congressional Research Service suggesting a range of about 3,000 kilometers. The U.S. currently maintains a significant military presence in the region, including multiple warships and aircraft carriers.
Representatives from the U.S., including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, engaged in talks with Iranian officials. Previous discussions in Oman and Geneva have laid the groundwork for these ongoing negotiations. A previous attempt at negotiations was disrupted by surprise strikes from Israel on Iran, leading to a brief conflict involving U.S. intervention.
In response to the potential for renewed conflict, Tehran residents expressed concerns about the impact, with some fearing famine and increased suffering. The region has experienced ongoing unrest, with recent protests at Iranian universities signaling continued tensions within the country.