DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States and Iran will resume nuclear talks Thursday in Geneva, as Iran confronts both the possibility of a U.S. Military strike and ongoing domestic unrest.
Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, confirmed the talks, noting Oman previously facilitated indirect negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and the latest round in Geneva last week.
The Trump administration has not yet commented, but has built up the largest U.S. Military presence in the Middle East in decades while seeking concessions from Iran regarding its nuclear program.
Prior to Oman’s announcement, Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, stated he anticipates meeting with U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday, expressing a belief that a diplomatic solution remains possible.
The U.S. Is awaiting a proposed deal from Iran, which Araghchi indicated would be ready within days. He told CBS that discussions are currently focused solely on the nuclear issue, despite U.S. And Israeli desires to address Iran’s missile program and regional support for armed groups.
President Donald Trump warned Friday that limited strikes against Iran are possible, and both countries have signaled a readiness for war should nuclear talks fail.
Following Oman’s confirmation, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on social media that negotiations involved “the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals,” while too affirming that Tehran has “made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario.”
The U.S. Position is that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons or the capacity to develop them, and should not enrich uranium. Araghchi countered that Iran has the right to enrich uranium, adding that recent discussions with U.S. Counterparts did not include a demand for zero enrichment.
Araghchi also stated that talks centered on ensuring Iran’s nuclear program, including enrichment, “will remain peaceful forever,” in exchange for confidence-building measures and relief from economic sanctions.
Tehran maintains that negotiations should be limited to its nuclear program, refusing to address U.S. And Israeli concerns regarding its missile program and regional alliances.
Although Iran asserts its nuclear program is peaceful, the U.S. Suspects it aims to develop weapons. Iran claims it has not been enriching uranium since U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June, though the extent of damage from those strikes remains unknown as Tehran has barred international inspectors.
Araghchi asserted that Iran’s missile capabilities have improved since the June strikes.
Modern protests in Iran
Confirmation of the new talks coincides with renewed anti-government protests in Iran, as university students in Tehran and another city demonstrated at memorials for those killed during a recent crackdown on nationwide demonstrations approximately six weeks ago.
Iran’s state news agency reported protests at five universities in Tehran and one in Mashhad on Sunday, following 40-day memorials for those killed in January. Videos on social media showed confrontations between government supporters and protesters chanting “Death to dictator.”
Iran’s government has not commented on the latest protests. Activists tracking the situation estimate most protesters were killed around January 8 and 9.
Iranians are experiencing shock, grief, and fear following the deadliest crackdown under the rule of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, resulting in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests. Smaller protests continue to occur.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports at least 7,015 people were killed in the previous protests and crackdown, including 214 government forces. Iran’s government reported 3,117 deaths, a figure that has been historically lower than actual fatalities.
The Associated Press has been unable to independently verify the death toll due to disrupted internet access and international calls within Iran.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the upcoming talks in Geneva?
The primary focus of the talks is the nuclear issue, according to Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi. However, the U.S. And Israel also seek to address Iran’s missile program and its support for armed groups in the Middle East.
What is the U.S. Position on Iran’s nuclear capabilities?
The U.S. Has stated that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons or the capacity to develop them, and should not enrich uranium.
Are there ongoing protests within Iran?
Yes, new anti-government protests have begun in Iran, with university students demonstrating at memorials for those killed in a recent crackdown on nationwide demonstrations.
Given the complex interplay of diplomatic efforts, military posturing, and internal unrest, what path will ultimately determine the future of U.S.-Iran relations?
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