Delegations from Iran and the U.S. are to engage in another crucial round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva on Thursday.
This is coming against the backdrop of heightened military tensions.
This marks the third round of indirect talks this year, once again mediated by the Gulf state of Oman.
In previous rounds, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi acted as an intermediary, relaying messages between the two sides.
A team led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is negotiating for Iran, while the U.S. side is represented by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, is also expected in Geneva after holding preparatory talks with Araghchi last week.
The negotiations are focused on the controversial Iranian nuclear programme.
The U.S. and its Western allies aim to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
Iran denies pursuing such ambitions and insists its programme is civilian.
It has, however, signalled willingness to accept limitations – including restricting uranium enrichment to low levels, as previously agreed under the 2015 deal that Trump withdrew from in 2018.
However, Tehran has drawn several red lines.
It has refused to dismantle its uranium enrichment infrastructure fully and considers its missile programme non-negotiable, viewing it as its main deterrent capability.
Iran also rejects discussions on ending support for regional militant groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In return for nuclear concessions, Tehran is demanding relief from severe economic sanctions that have largely cut the country off from global financial markets.
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The sanctions have also deterred investment in Iran and contributed to a deep economic crisis that has eroded the middle class and pushed parts of the population of the country towards poverty.
Beyond sanctions relief, Iran’s leadership is also seeking to avert the risk of war.
A week ago, Trump issued an ultimatum to Tehran, setting a 10 to 15-day deadline.
“We’re either going to get a deal, or it’s going to be unfortunate for them,” he said, warning that otherwise “bad things” could happen.
Iranian leaders have warned of escalation if attacked.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has threatened a “comprehensive war” if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were targeted.
Khamenei himself cautioned that any U.S.-initiated conflict would turn into a regional war, while insisting Iran does not seek one.
Failure to reach a breakthrough could increase the likelihood of military confrontation.
In recent weeks, the United States has significantly expanded its military presence in the Middle East, deploying two aircraft carriers, dozens of fighter jets and support aircraft – reportedly the largest U.S. air force buildup in the region since the 2003 Iraq War.
Switzerland, the host of the talks, is regarded by Tehran as a neutral intermediary and represents U.S. interests in Iran, where Washington has no diplomatic mission.
NAN
