The Islamic Republic of Iran expressed cautious optimism ahead of the second round of nuclear talks in Geneva, with Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei describing the US position on the Iranian nuclear issue as having become "more realistic." This statement comes on the eve of crucial meetings between the two countries' delegations, held indirectly, in an attempt to break the long-standing deadlock in the diplomatic process.
Context of the talks: between diplomacy and military pressure
This new round of negotiations follows up on talks held in early February in the Omani capital, Muscat, which has long played the role of a trusted mediator between Tehran and Washington. The Geneva talks are particularly significant as they are taking place at a highly sensitive time, coinciding with a marked military escalation in the region. Iran's Revolutionary Guard launched military exercises in Strait of Hormuz , a vital artery for global oil supplies, in response to the US military buildup, which included the deployment of aircraft carriers to the region's waters. This reflects a strategy of "negotiating under fire" being employed by both sides.
Historical background and technical complexities
The current negotiations cannot be separated from the historical context of the 2015 nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), from which the United States withdrew in 2018. Since then, Tehran has sought the lifting of crippling economic sanctions in exchange for a return to full compliance with the agreement's terms. In this context, the Iranian side has emphasized its inalienable rights under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, reaffirming the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, including its uranium enrichment activities, which are a source of concern for the West.
The agenda of the talks and the international role
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Geneva to lead the Iranian delegation, beginning his visit with an in-depth technical meeting with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi. These meetings aim to resolve outstanding technical disagreements regarding the monitoring of nuclear facilities, a crucial step in building trust before addressing the political aspects of the negotiations with the United States.
While Tehran insists on limiting discussions to the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions, US and European officials are pushing to broaden the scope of the agreement to include Iran's ballistic missile program and its regional influence—a move Iran rejects as an infringement on its sovereign defense capabilities. The international community is closely watching the outcome of this round of talks, as any progress in Geneva could contribute to reducing tensions in the Middle East and averting scenarios of open military escalation in the region.
