US-Iran nuclear agreement: Talks progress in Switzerland

Washington aims to secure a significant agreement, notably preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a longstanding concern that has fueled tensions with Tehran. On Thursday, Iran and the United States held a third round of indirect talks in Switzerland, a final attempt to avert military confrontation following massive American deployments in the Middle East. Former President Donald Trump had set a 10 to 15-day ultimatum on February 19th to decide whether a deal with Tehran was possible or if force would be used. On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance advised Iran to take the American threats seriously.

According to a diplomatic source, both delegations resumed discussions shortly after 6:00 pm – after a break to consult their capitals – following three hours of talks in the morning at the residence of the Omani ambassador, a mediator, near Geneva. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, described the talks as “intense,” marked by “concrete proposals.” The discussions concluded in the evening. Further “technical discussions” will take place next week in Geneva. According to an Omani minister, “significant progress” has been made. Tehran, on the other hand, mentioned “good progress.”

Washington seeks to secure an important agreement, particularly to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a longtime fear among Western nations that has fueled tensions with Tehran. The Islamic Republic denies having such ambitions but insists on its “right” to civilian nuclear energy, under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to which it is a signatory.