The United States and Iran remain divided following a fresh round of indirect negotiations in Geneva over Tehran’s nuclear programme, with US Vice President JD Vance stating that Iran has not yet agreed to the key conditions set by President Donald Trump for a diplomatic breakthrough. The remarks highlight the continuing uncertainty surrounding efforts to revive negotiations amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Speaking after Tuesday’s discussions, Vance described the outcome as mixed, noting that while both sides agreed to continue engagement, Tehran has so far been unwilling to acknowledge or work through several “red lines” established by the US administration. He emphasised that Washington still prefers a diplomatic resolution but reiterated that all options, including military measures, remain under consideration if negotiations fail to produce results.
Vance added that the decision on how long diplomacy should continue ultimately rests with President Trump, who retains the authority to determine when negotiations have reached their limit. US officials indicated that although some progress was made during the talks, major differences persist, and Washington expects Iran to submit more detailed proposals within the next two weeks in an effort to narrow remaining gaps.
The negotiations come at a sensitive moment, with Trump repeatedly warning that strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities are essential and cautioning that failure to comply could lead to serious consequences. The US delegation at the Geneva talks was led by Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with Oman once again serving as mediator by hosting the indirect discussions.
Iran, meanwhile, struck a cautiously optimistic tone. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the talks had opened a “new window” for a potential agreement and expressed hope that negotiations could lead to a sustainable outcome benefiting all parties and regional stability. At the same time, he warned that Iran remains prepared to defend itself against any threat, adding that the consequences of military action would extend beyond its borders.
Despite limited progress, both sides appear willing to keep diplomatic channels open for now, even as deep disagreements over nuclear restrictions and security concerns continue to shape the trajectory of the negotiations.
