The United States and Iran, facing heightened military confrontation over nuclear weapons development, will resume nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland on the 26th (local time).
According to Reuters on the 22nd, the U.S. and Iran will hold their third round of nuclear talks on the 26th, mediated by Oman. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi confirmed the resumption to Reuters, expressing hope that "we can take another step toward a final agreement."
Iran is preparing concession proposals contingent on sanctions relief and recognition of its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment. Specifically, the proposals reportedly include exporting half of its highly enriched uranium abroad and diluting the remainder for use in establishing a multinational nuclear fuel consortium, as well as opportunities for U.S. companies to participate in Iran's large-scale oil and gas industries.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a CBS interview that day, "We have prepared a good draft reflecting both sides' concerns and interests, and we can reach an agreement quickly." He added, "The U.S. negotiating team is aware of Iran's position and we have already exchanged concerns," noting that "a diplomatic solution is entirely possible."
However, significant gaps remain. The U.S. is demanding Iran halt uranium enrichment activities, while Iran maintains this is "our right" and has responded negatively. President Donald Trump has warned that "really bad things will happen" if no deal is reached, escalating pressure by deploying massive military assets including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the Middle East.
In response, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said the previous day that "President Trump is wondering why Iran hasn't surrendered yet and agreed to scale back its nuclear program." Both sides have also failed to narrow differences over the scope and intensity of sanctions on Iran.
If nuclear talks collapse, the Trump administration may consider striking Iranian leadership, according to speculation. Foreign Minister Araghchi warned CBS, "If the U.S. attacks us, we have the right to defend ourselves," adding, "Our missiles cannot reach the U.S. mainland, so we would have to attack U.S. military bases in this region."