The United States and Iran held indirect nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday, with mediation by Oman, amid escalating regional tensions. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participated alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, aiming to resolve the long-running nuclear dispute.
Despite the talks, Washington is preparing a massive military force in the region in case President Donald Trump orders operations against Iran, US officials said. Iran also began military drills on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil-export route, heightening fears of conflict.
Read more: Red lines drawn: US, Israel, Iran on brink
Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is peaceful but has enriched uranium near weapons-grade levels, while the US and Israel remain concerned about potential nuclear weapons development. Previous attempts at talks collapsed after Israeli and US strikes targeted Iranian nuclear sites in June last year.
Iran is willing to negotiate limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief but refuses to halt uranium enrichment or discuss its missile arsenal. The US, meanwhile, seeks to expand talks to include non-nuclear issues, such as missiles, adding complexity to negotiations.
Read more: Iran FM arrives in Geneva for US talks
Ahead of the Geneva meetings, Araqchi met IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to discuss technical cooperation and the upcoming US talks. The session underscores the high stakes as both sides navigate diplomacy under the shadow of military escalation.