US, Iran set for 2rd round of nuclear talks in Geneva amid tensions: Report

ISTANBUL

The US and Iran are expected to hold a second round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva next Tuesday, according to US officials and sources, amid rising military tensions in the Gulf.

Officials cited by US website Axios said on Friday that the talks, aimed at reaching an agreement that could avert escalation, are expected to include Donald Trump’s son-in-law and unofficial advisor Jared Kushner and White House Envoy Steve Witkoff on the US side, while Iran’s delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who has been mediating between Washington and Tehran, is also set to participate.

Behind the scenes, a US official said Witkoff relayed messages to Tehran through Oman earlier this week.

According to Iranian state TV, Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, confirmed that he had received a document containing US proposals after meeting Omani officials.

Trump has signaled openness to diplomacy while maintaining pressure through a significant military buildup in the region.

“Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time,” Trump told Axios on Tuesday, evidently referring to the US airstrikes on Iran last June.

Speaking to reporters Friday, he said any agreement must require zero uranium enrichment inside Iran, adding that Tehran has yet to demonstrate meaningful action on its nuclear program. Asked about regime change, Trump said it “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.”