1. Home
2. Middle East
3. U.S. and Iran Conclude Geneva Nuclear Talks, Set Vienna Meeting for Monday

U.S. and Iranian officials concluded Thursday’s round of nuclear talks in Geneva, agreeing to continue negotiations next Monday in Vienna at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that today’s dialogue made “good progress” on approaching a deal addressing Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions.

He commented that “we made very good progress and entered into the elements of an agreement very seriously, both in the nuclear field and in the sanctions field.”

According to Axios, Geneva’s talks occurred in two stages. The first was mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who passed on messages between the U.S. and Iranian teams. The second round entailed direct negotiations between both parties.

Despite the talks proceeding, U.S. and Iranian officials faced obstacles in reaching a consensus over the U.S. demand for zero uranium enrichment and the transfer of all 60% enriched uranium to the U.S., according to Iran International. Araghchi also expressed that his team “very clearly stated our demands.”

At the same time, Axios reported that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. special advisor Jared Kushner were disappointed by the meeting’s morning session. 

The Trump administration has recently oscillated on its demands, with U.S. officials revealing on Wednesday that the administration would be willing to settle for a low level of uranium enrichment if Iran could commit to a pathway that prevents their ability to develop a nuclear weapon. 

The Geneva talks occurred along the backdrop of threats and military buildup in the region, as the U.S.S. Gerald Ford aircraft carrier sits in the Eastern Mediterranean and over 100 U.S. fighter jets were repositioned to the Middle East. Iran has also carried out military drills along its southern shore and threatens regional war if it is attacked.

At his State of the Union speech, Trump conveyed that “I will never hesitate to confront threats to America, wherever we must.” Another official told This is Beirut on Monday that the U.S. goal is to achieve “measurable de-escalation backed by verifiable steps.”

However, on Thursday in Geneva, Araghchi noted that both the U.S. and Iranian teams demonstrated “evident seriousness” in pursuing an agreement.