Iran Is Ready for Diplomatic Breakthrough in Talks with United States
Tensions have simmered in the Middle East over recent weeks as negotiations between Iran and the United States approach their third round. Scheduled to resume on Thursday in Geneva, these talks mark a return after earlier pauses amid increasing US military deployments.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi revealed Iran’s eagerness for an agreement ahead of the meeting, stating, “We are ready to reach an agreement as soon as possible. We will do whatever it takes to make this happen. We will enter the negotiating room in Geneva with complete honesty and good faith.”
The atmosphere has been tense since last month when US military presence escalated, prompting Iran’s warnings that it would retaliate if attacked on its soil. “If there is an attack or aggression against Iran, we will respond according to our defense plans,” Takht-Ravanchi warned.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the Trump administration’s preference for diplomatic channels as a first option but also prepared to use lethal force if necessary in a direct response. This stance represents a significant shift from earlier statements highlighting military options.
Iranian officials have floated various proposals, including potentially shipping half of its most highly enriched uranium abroad and participating in regional enrichment consortiums. In return, Iran seeks US recognition for “peaceful nuclear enrichment” under any future deal that would lift economic sanctions.
Past negotiations between the two nations ended without a concrete agreement due largely to Washington’s insistence on halting uranium enrichment within Iranian borders, an issue Tehran denies concerning its intentions towards developing nuclear weapons.
Last June, joint military actions by the US and Israel against Iran’s nuclear sites halted uranium enrichment but did not completely dismantle Iran’s existing stockpile.
As these negotiations begin anew in Geneva, observers are closely watching for signs of progress that could lead to a diplomatic breakthrough in resolving decades-long conflicts over Iran’s nuclear program.