Diplomatic efforts to resolve the long-running standoff over Iran’s nuclear programme received a much-needed boost on Tuesday when a second round of indirect talks in Geneva ended on a more optimistic note than expected. Iranian officials said both sides had agreed on guiding principles and were now prepared to move forward with a more detailed exchange of positions.
Foreign Minister Araghchi led the Iranian delegation and described the session as a notable improvement over the first meeting earlier in February. He said the talks had produced real progress, though he was careful to temper expectations, noting that positions remained far apart and a final deal would require considerable further work.
At the center of the negotiations was the question of what Iran would do with its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which at 60% purity is near weapons-grade and far beyond what is required for civilian energy use. Iran offered to dilute this material and proposed expanded IAEA access to nuclear facilities — offers it presented as meaningful confidence-building measures.
The US reportedly pushed back on several fronts, particularly on its core demand that Iran give up domestic enrichment entirely. Iran rejected this categorically, as it has done consistently throughout its nuclear negotiations history. Tehran also made clear that its ballistic missile programme and its regional relationships were entirely off the table.
The wider scene was one of contradictions and complexity. Trump praised Iran’s negotiating posture while US warships gathered in regional waters. Khamenei threatened those same vessels while endorsing the talks. And across Iran, the 40th-day mourning ceremonies for killed protesters drew millions to the streets, as the country simultaneously negotiated with its adversary and grappled with deep internal wounds.