“Iran’s approach to talks with the U.S. is positive and serious, but it has no preconceptions about the outcome,” the official told Reuters, adding that Tehran had come to Geneva with “genuine, constructive proposals.” The official said the key to sustaining effective negotiations is U.S. commitment to sanctions relief.
The closed-door talks, mediated by Oman, are aimed at resolving the long-running dispute over Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are taking part in the negotiations alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, according to a source briefed on the matter.
President Donald Trump said he would be involved “indirectly” in the discussions and warned that Tehran would face consequences if no agreement is reached, as Washington reinforces its military presence in the region.
The renewed diplomacy follows months of heightened tensions, including Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear targets last year and subsequent Iranian military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.
Washington and Israel say they believe Iran seeks to develop nuclear weapons that could threaten Israel, while Tehran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, despite enriching uranium to levels near weapons-grade.
The United States has sought to expand the scope of the talks to include Iran’s missile program and regional activities. Tehran has said it is willing only to discuss limits on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and will not negotiate over its missile capabilities.