The third round of indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran commenced Thursday morning in Switzerland. The high-stakes talks aim to secure an agreement that distances the specter of war following weeks of escalating military threats.
اضافة اعلان
A new round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran began in Geneva on Thursday morning, diplomatic sources confirmed. The Iranian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with meetings taking place at the residence of the Omani Ambassador. The U.S. is represented by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump.
Key Developments and Statements:
Scope of Talks: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarified that negotiations would focus strictly on the nuclear file. He also noted that Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, might join this round, as he did previously.
Tehran’s Stance: President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons, citing the Supreme Leader’s fatwa. Iranian state media reported that Tehran’s proposal aims to "dispel all American pretexts," warning that a U.S. rejection would prove Washington's calls for diplomacy are merely a "maneuver."
U.S. Pressure: President Trump, in his State of the Union address, expressed a preference for diplomacy but accused Tehran of "evil" nuclear ambitions and developing missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland—claims Tehran dismissed as "major lies."
The Missile Dispute: A core point of contention remains Washington's demand to include Iran's ballistic missile program (such as the 2,000km-range Shahab-3) and its support for regional proxies in any final deal—a demand Tehran flatly rejects, insisting on sanctions relief first.
Analytical Context: A Region on the Brink
The talks resumed earlier this month after previous efforts were derailed by a 12-day military escalation in June 2025, which included U.S. strikes on nuclear sites. Analyst Emile Hokayem of the IISS warned of "deep apprehension," noting that a potential full-scale war now would be significantly larger than the 2025 conflict.
Political theorist Mohammad Abu Rumman, speaking on "Sawt al-Mamlaka," cautioned that any strike on Iran could trigger a "massive regional bloodbath." He noted that:
Iran’s regional influence has waned, with its "claws clipped" in recent years.
Hezbollah might not intervene in "limited" strikes, but targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remains a "red line" that would rewrite the rules of engagement.
While Trump prefers diplomacy, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance emphasized that Tehran must engage seriously, even as the region remains "days away" from a potential military confrontation driven largely by Israeli strategic calculations.
Source: AFP & Reuters
