Iran-U.S. negotiations concluded in Geneva on Thursday, with officials noting “significant progress” and scheduling a subsequent meeting in Vienna in the coming days.
However, even as senior U.S. officials characterized the third round as “positive,” per , Iranian state media reported that Tehran intends to maintain its uranium enrichment activities and dismissed suggestions to ship the material overseas.
According to , the reports indicated that Iran would additionally seek removal of international sanctions, suggesting it remains unwilling to comply with President Donald Trump’s requirements.
The talks were conducted mainly through indirect channels, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi serving as an intermediary between the parties.
On X, al-Busaidi posted confirmation that the session had ended and stated that talks would continue shortly.
“Today’s negotiations between the United States and Iran have concluded with significant progress,” he wrote on X.
“Following consultations in our respective capitals, we will reconvene shortly. Technical discussions are scheduled for next week in Vienna. I appreciate the efforts of all involved: the negotiators, the IAEA, and our hosts, the Swiss government,” al-Busaidi stated.
No prompt public comments were issued by U.S. or Iranian officials following the meeting.
, Steve Witkoff, participated in the three-hour talks alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi also took part, as Iranian officials submitted a draft proposal for a possible nuclear deal with the U.S., which maintains essential conditions.
Iran maintains its entitlement to uranium enrichment and has seemingly declined to discuss other matters, such as its long-range missile development and backing for militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Trump, for his part, demands an agreement to restrict Iran’s nuclear program. In his Feb. 24 address, the president expressed preference for a diplomatic resolution.
“I would rather resolve this issue diplomatically, but one thing is clear: I will never permit the , which they are by far, to obtain nuclear weapons,” the president declared. “We cannot allow that to occur.”
During Thursday’s Geneva negotiations, Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah , posted on X that if America’s primary concern is preventing nuclear weapons, that position “aligns” with Khamenei’s religious decree and Iran’s defense policy.
He further noted that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi possesses “adequate support and authority” to reach a conclusive agreement in the negotiations.
This occurred while the U.S. continues , including a fleet of aircraft and warships, in the Middle East.
Digital has contacted the White House for a statement.