Iran–US nuclear talks are set to resume in Geneva this week, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, as Tehran signals it may consider compromises on its stockpile of highly enriched uranium if Washington lifts sanctions.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Tehran late Sunday heading a diplomatic and technical delegation for what officials described as the second round of renewed indirect negotiations with the United States.
The talks, mediated by Oman, follow an initial round held in Muscat on February 6, months after previous negotiations collapsed amid regional escalation.
Araghchi Leads Delegation to Switzerland
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Araghchi will participate in indirect discussions with US representatives on Tuesday in Geneva, with Oman facilitating the process.
During his visit, Araghchi is also expected to meet:
Swiss officials
Omani counterparts
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi
Other international representatives
Switzerland has long represented US interests in Iran since diplomatic relations were severed following the 1980 hostage crisis.
The renewed dialogue comes after negotiations broke down last year following Israeli air strikes on Iranian territory that triggered a 12-day confrontation.
Iran Signals Possible Compromise on Enriched Uranium
In parallel developments, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC that Tehran is prepared to consider adjustments to its stockpile of highly enriched uranium if the United States lifts sanctions that have heavily impacted Iran’s economy.
“If we see the sincerity on their part, I am sure we will be on a road to have an agreement,” Takht-Ravanchi said.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran had enriched uranium to 60 percent purity, exceeding the 3.67 percent limit set under the 2015 nuclear agreement, which is no longer in effect. Weapons-grade enrichment is typically around 90 percent.
Western governments, led by the United States and supported by Israel, accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons capability. Tehran denies pursuing military nuclear objectives and maintains that its program is for civilian purposes.
Fate of 400 Kilograms of Uranium
Uncertainty remains over more than 400 kilograms of 60 percent enriched uranium that were last verified by IAEA inspectors in June before Israeli and US strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
Takht-Ravanchi did not rule out potential arrangements regarding the stockpile, including dilution or transfer abroad, but said it was too early to determine outcomes.
Several countries, including Russia, have previously offered to take responsibility for the material, though Iran has so far declined.
Dispute Over “Zero Enrichment”
The talks face significant political obstacles.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that any agreement must require:
Removal of all enriched uranium from Iran
Dismantling of enrichment infrastructure
A complete halt to enrichment activities
“There should be no enrichment capability,” Netanyahu said in Jerusalem.
US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly called for zero enrichment in Iran. However, Takht-Ravanchi stated that the issue of zero enrichment “is not on the table” from Tehran’s perspective.
Sanctions Relief and Economic Incentives
Iranian officials have linked any compromise to meaningful sanctions relief.
Hamid Ghanbari, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for economic diplomacy, said Tehran is seeking an agreement that provides economic benefits to both countries, particularly in:
Aviation
Mining
Oil and gas
According to the semi-official Fars news agency, discussions may also include potential American investment in Iran’s energy sector.
Washington has previously threatened military action and deployed an aircraft carrier group to the region following Iran’s crackdown on anti-government protests last month.
The upcoming Geneva round is therefore viewed as a significant diplomatic test amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear program.
Conclusion:
The Geneva talks represent a renewed attempt to bridge longstanding differences over enrichment, sanctions, and regional security. Whether indirect diplomacy mediated by Oman can produce tangible progress remains uncertain as both sides maintain firm public positions.
