Geneva – Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program resumed Tuesday, as Iran’s foreign minister held separate meetings with the head of the U.N. Nuclear watchdog and Oman’s foreign minister, who is mediating the talks. The discussions are taking place against a backdrop of escalating tensions, including a recent U.S. Military buildup in the region and Iranian naval drills in the Persian Gulf.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Monday, prior to the second round of talks with U.S. Officials. Araghchi stated via X, formerly known as Twitter, “I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats.” He also met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who is facilitating the discussions.
The U.S. Delegation is led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. The talks aim to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and avert potential military conflict. Earlier this month, Witkoff and Kushner held indirect talks with Iranian delegates in Muscat, Oman, on February 6.
Simultaneously, the U.S. Has increased its military presence in the Middle East. President Trump ordered an additional aircraft carrier to the region, and American warships and fighter jets have been deployed. Iran responded with naval drills, launching a second such exercise in recent weeks, reportedly to test intelligence and operational capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman. State TV reported the drills began Monday.
EOS Risk Group reported that sailors in the region received a radio warning of a potential live-fire drill in the northern lane of the Strait of Hormuz, within Iranian territorial waters, scheduled for Tuesday. Iranian state TV did not confirm the live-fire exercise.
Ahead of the Geneva talks, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi indicated a willingness to reach a nuclear deal if the U.S. Eases sanctions, including those targeting Iran’s oil exports, banking system, and access to the global financial network.
