Geneva, 18 Feb: Indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States in Geneva have produced what both sides describe as preliminary progress, though officials stressed that significant differences remain before any formal nuclear agreement can be reached.
Speaking after the talks, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the two sides had reached a “general agreement on some guiding principles” that could frame the next phase of discussions. He characterized the meeting as constructive, noting that “good progress has been made” and describing the moment as a “new window of opportunity.”
However, Araqchi cautioned that technical and political gaps remain unresolved. Draft proposals are expected to be exchanged in the coming weeks, after which a third round of negotiations may be scheduled. Tehran reiterated that it is prepared to consider limits on its nuclear programme if sanctions relief is guaranteed, but firmly rejected any demand for a complete halt to uranium enrichment. Iranian officials also maintained that the country’s missile programme falls outside the scope of negotiations.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reinforced that position, warning against external pressure and dismissing suggestions of regime change. He also underscored that Iran’s defensive capabilities, including missile systems, are non-negotiable.
President Masoud Pezeshkian separately reiterated that Tehran is “absolutely not seeking nuclear weapons,” adding that Iran remains open to verification under international frameworks, while defending its right to peaceful nuclear development.
On the U.S. side, officials described the discussions as serious but incomplete. An American official said Iran is expected to present detailed proposals within two weeks. Vice President JD Vance noted that while the talks were constructive enough to warrant further meetings, key U.S. “red lines” have yet to be accepted by Tehran.
President Donald Trump signaled that diplomacy remains the preferred route but reiterated that military options remain available if negotiations stall. His remarks came amid heightened regional tensions following earlier U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The discussions were mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who said both sides departed Geneva with “clear next steps,” though “much work is yet to be done.”
The diplomatic effort unfolded against a backdrop of visible military signaling. The United States has deployed two aircraft carriers to the Gulf, while Iran conducted military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, briefly affecting maritime traffic in the strategically vital waterway. The Strait handles roughly a fifth of global oil shipments, and concerns over escalation have kept energy markets sensitive, though crude prices dipped slightly after news of diplomatic progress.
While both governments have framed the talks as forward-looking, core disagreements persist — particularly over uranium enrichment levels and the scope of negotiations. For now, Geneva has produced cautious optimism rather than a breakthrough, with the coming weeks likely to determine whether the “guiding principles” discussed can be translated into a substantive agreement.
