GENEVA – Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart, Badr Albusaidi, on Monday to finalize preparations for the second round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and US, scheduled to begin Tuesday at the Omani Embassy in Geneva. Oman is mediating the talks, which resume nuclear diplomacy nearly eight months after negotiations were suspended following an Israeli attack that triggered a 12-day conflict with Iran.
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The initial round, held in Muscat on February 6, concluded with positive assessments from both sides despite a tense backdrop of US military buildup in the Persian Gulf. Officials highlighted Oman’s critical role as a mediator, facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran, which have not maintained direct diplomatic relations for decades.
A high-stakes second round of nuclear talks between the US and Iran is set to be held at the Omani embassy in Geneva, Switzerland.
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Key disagreements remain unresolved. Iran continues to demand the lifting of Western economic sanctions in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities, while the United States insists on a full halt to Iran’s uranium enrichment and the transfer of its highly enriched uranium stockpile abroad. Washington has also expressed interest in discussing Iran’s ballistic missile program and regional influence, though Tehran has maintained that talks will focus solely on its nuclear program.
The ongoing negotiations carry wide regional implications. Gulf states, energy markets, and broader Middle East security dynamics are closely tied to the outcome of the talks. Türkiye, in particular, is monitoring the process due to its economic ties with Tehran and strategic partnership with Washington through NATO. Any agreement could influence regional balances, trade routes, and conflict dynamics, potentially reshaping diplomatic and economic relations across the Middle East.
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As the second round begins, analysts note that while progress in Geneva could ease tensions, bridging core differences will remain a challenging task, with sanctions, enrichment, and regional security interests at the forefront of negotiations.