Abbas Araghchi

The Pak Global Pakistan:

In the latest round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported “good progress” during talks held in Geneva, mediated by Oman. These discussions aim to prevent potential US military action against Iran’s nuclear program, which has been a point of international concern especially following recent violent crackdowns on protests within Iran.

Araghchi emphasized that both sides reached broad agreement on guiding principles that will form the basis for drafting a potential agreement. He expressed optimism about the clear path forward and indicated that once draft texts are exchanged, a third round of talks will be scheduled.

However, US Vice President JD Vance conveyed a more cautious outlook. While acknowledging the willingness to continue talks, he noted that Iran has yet to fully acknowledge all of the red lines set by the US, signaling ongoing challenges in reaching a comprehensive deal.

Key issues remain unresolved: Iran insists on maintaining its uranium enrichment program and refuses to discuss its missile capabilities, while the US demands a halt to enrichment activities and seeks to address non-nuclear concerns such as missile stockpiles. These sticking points have prolonged negotiations amid heightened military tensions in the Gulf, where the US has deployed two aircraft carriers near Iranian waters.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have demonstrated a strong stance, including military exercises and warnings to the US about the consequences of potential conflict, highlighting the fragile security situation in the region.

Experts suggest that while there is room for agreement on nuclear issues due to the degraded state of Iran’s program, non-nuclear issues are likely to be more contentious, with Iran expected to make only limited concessions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and is open to verification of this, while insisting on the right to use nuclear science for peaceful purposes such as medicine, industry, and agriculture.