Iran and the United States have made “significant progress” in their latest nuclear negotiations held in Geneva. Oman, which mediated the talks, shared this update. However, it remains uncertain whether the two sides will reach a final deal to prevent a possible war.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi led the mediation efforts. He said both countries agreed to resume negotiations “soon” after consulting their respective governments. He also confirmed that technical-level discussions would take place in Vienna next week.
Iran Says Talks Show ‘Good Progress’
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led Tehran’s delegation. He described the discussions as showing “good progress.” He explained that both sides had reached agreement on certain matters, while disagreements still remained on other issues.
Araghchi added that the next round of talks could happen as early as next week.
Key Disputes Over Uranium Enrichment
According to Iranian state media, Tehran’s negotiators firmly defended the country’s right to develop peaceful nuclear energy. They rejected US demands to completely stop uranium enrichment. They also opposed transferring Iran’s 400kg stockpile of enriched uranium to another country.
At the same time, reports suggest that Iranian officials discussed possible compromises. However, they have not made the details public. One proposal reportedly allows Iran to restart uranium enrichment at a limited level after suspending it for three to five years. This arrangement would require international monitoring.
In return for any agreement, Araghchi said Iran wants sanctions lifted. These sanctions have severely damaged the country’s economy.
US Strengthens Military Presence
Meanwhile, the United States has increased its military presence in the region. The USS USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, was deployed to the Mediterranean this week. An AFP photographer reported that it left a naval base in Crete on Thursday.
At present, Washington has more than a dozen warships stationed in the Middle East. These include one aircraft carrier – the USS USS Abraham Lincoln – along with nine destroyers and three other combat ships.
It is unusual for two US aircraft carriers, each carrying dozens of warplanes and thousands of crew members, to operate in the region at the same time.
Talks Come After Unrest in Iran
These diplomatic and military developments come after large protests in Iran. Human rights groups say thousands of demonstrators were killed during the unrest.
Although negotiations have moved forward, major differences remain. As a result, it is still unclear whether both sides can secure a lasting agreement and avoid further conflict.