The United States and Iran concluded their third round of nuclear negotiations and will continue detailed talks in Vienna, Austria next week.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, serving as mediator, announced on social media on Sunday that the third round of nuclear talks in Geneva, Switzerland had concluded. Al-Busaidi said "significant progress" was made as the talks wrapped up.
According to al-Busaidi, the US and Iran agreed to continue negotiations. Both delegations will consult with their respective governments before resuming "technical-level discussions" in Vienna next week.
However, substantial differences remain between the two sides. According to the South China Morning Post, Iran made clear its intention to continue uranium enrichment, rejected transferring enriched uranium abroad, and demanded the lifting of international sanctions. This signals Iran's unwillingness to accept US President Donald Trump's demands.
Instead, Iran reportedly proposed a "temporary freeze" on uranium enrichment. The proposal also included lowering the enrichment level of uranium stockpiles under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision and achieving mutual economic benefits.
Al Jazeera reported that "Iran did not include any provisions regarding its missile systems or defense industry programs" and "completely rejected permanent enrichment suspension, dismantling nuclear facilities, or transferring uranium stockpiles."
The US entered negotiations with hardline demands: complete dismantlement of three Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and full surrender of all remaining enriched uranium.
Vienna, the site of follow-up talks, hosts the IAEA headquarters. According to the Iranian side, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi personally participated in the talks. The US delegation included Steve Witkoff, President Trump's Middle East envoy, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi represented Iran.