Irans Araghchi Sees Good Progress in Nuclear Talks with US

US-Iran Nuclear Talks in Geneva Yield Progress, Gaps Remain

Indirect talks between the United States and Iran have made “good progress” in Geneva, according to Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi. The negotiations, facilitated by Oman, took place on Tuesday amidst heightened tensions in the Gulf region.

Araghchi stated that a set of guiding principles had been agreed upon, which will serve as a basis for further discussions and drafting a potential agreement. He noted that this represents an improvement compared to previous rounds of talks held earlier this month in Oman.

In Washington, DC, US Vice President JD Vance expressed mixed sentiments about the talks. In a Fox News interview, he stated that some aspects of the negotiations went well, while others revealed significant differences between the two sides.

The talks have focused on Iran’s uranium enrichment program and missile capabilities. The United States has demanded that Iran forgo uranium enrichment on its soil, while Washington has also sought to expand the scope of discussions to include non-nuclear issues such as Tehran’s missile stockpile.

Iran has insisted that any deal must deliver tangible economic benefits while maintaining its sovereignty and national security. The country has refused to accept zero uranium enrichment and has stated that its missile capabilities are off the table.

The negotiations come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, with the United States deploying two aircraft carriers to the region. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned on Tuesday that Iran possesses the capability to sink a US warship, while the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has begun a series of war games in the Strait of Hormuz.

The talks are ongoing, with both sides exchanging draft texts and setting a date for a third round. The United States has reserved the ability to terminate diplomacy if it deems necessary.

Source: Al Jazeera