US and Iran Open Indirect Nuclear Talks in Geneva Amid Military Escalation
Washington deploys thousands of troops as Tehran demands sanctions relief and peaceful technology rights
Image: Matt Weston / AI
Carla Rooney
United States and Iranian officials have launched indirect negotiations in Geneva against a backdrop of massive American troop deployments and threats of a renewed air campaign.
Donald Trump has imposed a series of new sanctions and issued direct threats of military action against Tehran since that engagement. Both sides refuse to blink as the talks begin.
Iran maintains its right to peaceful nuclear technology and seeks what it describes as a fair, balanced, and equitable deal. The Iranian delegation demands significant sanctions relief as a primary condition to avert a potential U.S. attack.
President Masoud Pezeshkian stated his nation is not seeking nuclear weapons and remains ready for any kind of verification. This stance counters assertions from Western powers and the IAEA that Iran operated a clandestine nuclear weapons program until 2003.
Western officials argue there is no credible civil justification for Iran's enrichment of uranium to 60 percent purity. This level sits dangerously close to the 90 percent threshold required for weapons-grade material.
Tehran denies ever seeking nuclear weapons and claims it has not enriched uranium since U.S. forces bombed three key nuclear sites in June. However, recent satellite photos show renewed activity at two of those three destroyed locations.
These images have fueled concerns that Iran is attempting to recover nuclear material from the rubble. Donald Trump is now pushing for a complete and permanent halt to all Iranian uranium enrichment.
The Trump administration's demands extend beyond nuclear facilities to include strict limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program. Washington also seeks to end Tehran's support for regional militant forces as part of any comprehensive agreement.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed Iran would not forgo its right to peaceful technology. He insisted the Geneva talks must remain focused exclusively on nuclear issues rather than broader regional security.
Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran if a new nuclear deal is not reached immediately. Administration officials indicate the president is considering an initial strike targeting the Revolutionary Guards or remaining nuclear infrastructure.
The president may order a broader campaign with the specific aim of toppling the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei stated the country would meet any such attack with a direct counter-attack.
Iran has vowed to respond to military action by striking American military assets in the Middle East and Israel. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that strikes against Iran could draw the U.S. into a prolonged and costly conflict.
U.S.-allied countries in the region have communicated that air power alone will not be able to change Iran's leadership. Marco Rubio stated Iran is actively seeking to develop its ballistic missiles into intercontinental-range weapons.
Vice President JD Vance stated Iran is attempting to rebuild its nuclear program following the U.S. attacks in June. Trump confirmed the U.S. joined Israel in hitting Iranian nuclear sites during those previous engagements.
Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House, stated all sides are locked into a cycle of escalation. She noted there are no real diplomatic brakes left in the current moment.
Oman operates as the primary mediator in the standoff to prevent a total collapse of communication. The Oman News Agency confirmed Al-Busaidi will pass a formal Iranian proposal to U.S. officials on Thursday.