Even as Iran’s Supreme Leader threatened US warships and the American military expanded its regional presence, diplomats from both countries managed on Tuesday to make progress in indirect nuclear talks held in Geneva. The second round of negotiations, conducted through Oman’s mediation, ended with agreement on guiding principles and a roadmap for further discussions.
Foreign Minister Araghchi confirmed after the session that the atmosphere had been constructive and that real progress had been made compared to the first meeting. He said both delegations would now exchange draft texts in preparation for a third round of talks expected within a fortnight — a sign that the diplomatic process was gaining structure if not yet certainty.
The substance of the talks focused on the classic nuclear negotiation dilemmas: how much enrichment Iran would be permitted, what would happen to its existing stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium, and how international inspectors would verify any deal. Iran offered to dilute its 60% enriched material and expand IAEA access — proposals it described as substantive and in good faith.
The fundamental gap between the two sides remained the question of domestic enrichment rights. The US insists Iran must abandon this entirely; Iran insists it will not. The duration of any enrichment suspension was also contested, with the physical damage to Iran’s nuclear sites adding layers of technical complexity to what is already a politically charged question.
Outside the negotiating room, reality pressed in from all sides. Khamenei issued military threats toward American naval forces. Iran’s navy announced exercises in the Strait of Hormuz. Tens of thousands mourned protest victims in 40th-day ceremonies. And a judiciary that had already summoned over 10,000 protesters for trial was reportedly pressing for confessions under physical duress.