The second round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States were kicked off in Geneva on Tuesday, with Oman again serving as mediator.
Both sides are seeking to narrow their differences over Tehran’s nuclear program and American sanctions.
The discussions were conducted through Oman’s foreign minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, according to Iranian officials, and were expected to continue into the afternoon.
Iran’s delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. On the American side, Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy for the Middle East, participated in the talks. Iranian state media reported that Jared Kushner was also present.
Before the negotiations began, Araghchi met with Al Busaidi in Geneva. Oman has played a mediating role in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran.
Iran’s central demand in this round is the full lifting of US sanctions, along with measures to build confidence in what Tehran describes as the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, the state news agency IRNA reported.
Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, told state television that the exchanges were focused on nuclear issues. He said Iran was prepared to discuss limits on its nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief but would not accept a requirement of “zero enrichment.”
American officials have indicated they want the negotiations to extend beyond nuclear matters to include issues such as Iran’s missile program.
A day before the talks, Araghchi met with Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, for what Iranian officials described as “in-depth technical discussions.” Reports said the US delegation also held talks with Grossi.
The negotiations come amid continuing tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities and the sanctions imposed by Washington. The outcome could shape the next phase of diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
