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Indirect negotiations resume in Switzerland
United States and Iranian officials reconvened in Geneva on Thursday for a third round of indirect talks mediated by Oman, as both sides seek to prevent escalation into open conflict. President Donald Trump has warned that military strikes remain an option if diplomacy fails to secure a nuclear agreement.
Military tensions escalate
The discussions unfold against the backdrop of the largest U.S. military deployment to the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Washington has dispatched two aircraft carriers, additional warships, fighter jets, and refueling aircraft to the region. Trump described the force as an "armada" intended to pressure Tehran.
Iran has vowed to retaliate against any attack by targeting U.S. military assets and Israel. Analysts caution that a strike could trigger a prolonged regional war, while U.S. allies express concern over the potential for wider instability.
Sticking points persist
Key disagreements remain unresolved. The U.S. demands that Iran halt uranium enrichment and dismantle its ballistic missile program, while Tehran insists its nuclear activities are peaceful. Iran has signaled willingness to discuss its uranium stockpile-estimated at 400 kg (880 lbs) of highly enriched material-but rejects limits on missiles or its support for regional proxies, including Hezbollah and Hamas.
In his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Trump accused Iran of seeking to "start all over again" on nuclear weapons development and claimed Tehran was developing missiles capable of reaching the U.S. He reiterated that Iran must explicitly renounce nuclear weapons, stating, "They want to make a deal, but we haven't heard those secret words: 'We will never have a nuclear weapon.'"
"Under no circumstances will Iran ever develop a nuclear weapon."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, via social media
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman dismissed Trump's remarks as "big lies," while Araghchi called the talks an "historic opportunity" to address mutual concerns.
Proposals and pressure
Potential compromises under discussion include a regional uranium enrichment consortium and sanctions relief. However, Trump has not clarified his minimum demands, and reports suggest he may order a limited strike on Iranian Revolutionary Guards or nuclear sites if negotiations stall. Unnamed U.S. officials told media that such an attack could escalate into a campaign to remove Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, Gen. Dan Caine, reportedly warned that military action carries risks of protracted conflict, though Trump claimed the general believes a war "would be easily won."
Regional and domestic reactions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met Trump earlier this month, has urged the U.S. to reject any deal that excludes Iran's missile program or proxy forces. Netanyahu has long framed Iran as an existential threat to Israel.
In Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed congressional leaders in a classified session. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer afterward called the situation "serious," urging the administration to "make its case to the American people."
Uncertain path forward
Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, mediating the talks, praised both sides for "unprecedented openness" but acknowledged the outcome remains uncertain. The U.S. delegation includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Iran's team is led by Foreign Minister Araghchi.
Analysts note that Iran's economic crisis, exacerbated by sanctions, may increase its willingness to negotiate, but hardliners in both countries oppose concessions. With neither side backing down on core demands, the Geneva talks represent a fragile opportunity to avert further escalation.
