Iran-US Nuclear Talks Resume in Geneva Amid Rising Tensions

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi said he has concluded detailed technical discussions with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi ahead of a fresh round of nuclear talks. Grossi noted that the discussions were in preparation for important negotiations scheduled in Geneva. The second round of indirect talks between Iran and the US is set for February 17 and is expected to focus on Tehran’s nuclear programme and possible steps toward reviving diplomatic agreements. Earlier this month, US and Iranian officials held indirect discussions in Oman. On February 13, US President Donald Trump said any agreement must guarantee zero uranium enrichment in Iran. He added that while Iranian officials have shown willingness to negotiate, they have yet to take concrete action on their nuclear activities. Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Araghchi arrived in Geneva on Sunday with a delegation of diplomatic and technical officials to participate in the indirect talks. US representatives are also expected to attend, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The Geneva meetings aim to advance diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington while addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. Rising tensions: military drills and strategic stakes Tensions in the region remain high as Iran began military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. Washington, other Western nations, and Israel suspect Iran’s nuclear programme could be aimed at developing weapons, a claim Tehran denies. The US has sought to expand discussions to cover Iran’s missile stockpile, though Tehran insists it will only negotiate limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, rejecting demands for zero uranium enrichment. Speaking in Hungary, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that reaching a deal with Iran would be difficult but said diplomacy remains possible. Araghchi said he is in Geneva to achieve a “fair and equitable” agreement, insisting Iran will not yield to external pressure. Tehran has repeatedly warned it could close the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation to any attack, a move that could disrupt a significant portion of global oil flows. An Indian delegation will visit the US next week to finalize the legal framework for the India-US trade deal, aiming for a mid-March agreement. The deal includes mutual tariff reductions and increased Indian purchases of US goods, with India agreeing to stop buying Russian oil. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.