The US diplomats and Iranian diplomats met in Geneva on Thursday in the third round of indirect negotiations over nuclear weapons, to alleviate a standoff lasting a long time and prevent the military escalation. The negotiations appear against the backdrop of increased tension in the region, the necessary military personnel positioning in the Middle East, and political pressure on both parties to seek a diplomatic way out.
Diplomatic Efforts Amid Rising Tensions
Oman Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi is the mediator of these negotiations and he has helped to facilitate these indirect negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and senior American officials, such as Special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and representatives of the American negotiating team are involved. The encounters are based on the previous round held in Geneva and the parties seek to establish an agreement on how to deal with the nuclear program of Iran, contain the enrichment process, and alleviate the extent of further warfare.
Core Issues on the Table
There has been some interest in both Washington and Tehran in having further dialogue, but there is still a profound mistrust between the two. The U.S. dictates that Iran should contain its uranium enrichment and nuclear programs that the western intelligence believes may favor development of weapons. Meanwhile Iran believes it has got everything to keep its nuclear program as a peaceful source of energy and underline its sovereignty under international law.
The stakes are high. The Trump administration has been following a two-pronged policy of diplomacy and deterrence whereby not achieving an agreement would lead to military retaliation. Washington has also increased its military presence in the region, shooting warships and aircraft to send signals on the readiness in case of failure of its diplomatic missions. Iranian officials in turn have threatened to protect the country and maintain military capabilities.
The goal of Omani mediators is to overcome any rifts through communicating proposals to each party and considering any confidence-building efforts that could open the doors to new developments. Elements of a draft framework have been reportedly submitted by Tehran and the American negotiators are demanding tangible IRFs to transparency and restrictions to sensitive nuclear operations.
International Implications and Regional Concerns
There is international concern. The gulf states and Israel, both of which are regional powers, are also closely following the talks as they are worried that failure will increase the chances of engaging in a face-to-face conflict. Allies of Europe have supported the concept of diplomacy and urged all sides to refrain engaging in spill over wars.
Challenges Ahead for a Nuclear Agreement
With the Geneva discussions still going on, the diplomats focus not only on the urgency but also on the fragility of the situation. A deal would enable Iran to slow its nuclear builds and minimize the likelihood, however, of a military build-up but deeply rooted interests and the lack of a strategic partnership would make any progress incredibly difficult.