US-Iran Nuclear Talks Resume in Geneva Amid Rising Tensions in the Middle East
US and Iran to hold second round of nuclear talks in Geneva amid heightened military tensions and sanctions demands.
The United States and Iran are set to hold their second round of nuclear negotiations on Tuesday in Geneva, as U.S. forces increase their presence in the Middle East and Iran conducts large-scale maritime exercises in the Strait of Hormuz. The talks follow the initial indirect round held in Oman on February 6, which highlighted the sensitive nature of the discussions.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are leading the American delegation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing that Washington seeks a peaceful resolution despite ongoing tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, heading the talks for Tehran, met the head of the UN nuclear watchdog to discuss a “fair and equitable deal,” stressing that Iran would not yield under threats.
The negotiations are taking place amid heightened military activity. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has launched naval drills in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, while the U.S. is deploying the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to reinforce its fleet alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln. Both sides have exchanged warnings, with Iran cautioning that any attack would elicit retaliation.
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These developments coincide with Iran marking 40 days since one of the deadliest days of nationwide protests, in which activists report over 7,000 casualties. The government attributes the unrest to foreign interference, while human rights groups accuse Iranian authorities of widespread violence and suppression of dissent.
Sanctions remain a key sticking point. Iran maintains it is not pursuing nuclear weapons and seeks relief from punitive U.S.-led sanctions, while Washington aims to ensure Tehran limits uranium enrichment and nuclear development. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi indicated Tehran’s openness to compromise if sanctions relief is part of the discussions.
The resumption of talks comes after months of stalled diplomacy due to prior conflicts, including Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year. Both nations face international pressure to avoid escalation, with Gulf Arab states warning that any military confrontation could destabilize the already volatile region further.
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