The second round of Iran-US nuclear negotiations wrapped up in Geneva with tentative progress on Tuesday, as Iranian officials announced agreement on broad guiding principles while acknowledging that significant gaps between the two sides persist. The talks were mediated by Oman, which has long served as a quiet diplomatic channel between Tehran and Washington.
Foreign Minister Araghchi said both delegations had moved closer together compared to their first meeting, but that converging their respective positions would take time. He said the next step would involve exchanging draft texts in preparation for a third round of talks expected within two weeks.
Iran’s offer on the table includes diluting its stockpile of nearly weapons-grade 60% enriched uranium and granting expanded access to IAEA inspectors at nuclear sites that were damaged in recent US bombing campaigns. What Iran will not discuss, officials made clear, are its ballistic missiles or its support for allied militia groups across the region.
President Trump, for his part, continued to send contradictory signals — suggesting he believed Iran wanted a deal while simultaneously overseeing a US naval buildup in waters just off Iran’s coast. Iran’s Supreme Leader dismissed the military posturing but also appeared to acknowledge the fragility of the moment, warning of Iran’s capacity to strike warships.
Domestically, Iran remained in turmoil. Tens of thousands gathered for the 40th-day mourning ceremonies for protesters killed in recent unrest. Over ten thousand demonstrators have been summoned for trial, with widespread reports of coercion and restricted access to lawyers.