Indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program ended Thursday without an agreement, underscoring persistent tensions and the risk of renewed conflict in the Middle East, reports AP.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who mediated the talks in Geneva, described “significant progress” but offered no details. Technical discussions involving lower-level officials are expected to continue next week in Vienna, home to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Iranian state television reported that Tehran remains committed to enriching uranium, rejects proposals to transfer enriched material abroad, and is seeking the lifting of international sanctions — positions that appear to clash with U.S. demands.
President Donald Trump has pushed for a deal that would curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Tehran, while signaling it wants to avoid war, insists its enrichment program is peaceful and says it will not negotiate over its long-range missile program or regional alliances.
The risk of military escalation looms large. Iran has warned that any U.S. attack would prompt retaliation against American military bases in the region and potentially against Israel, raising the prospect of a wider regional war.
“There would be no victory for anybody — it would be a devastating war,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview before the talks.
Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group said it was encouraging that U.S. negotiators did not walk away immediately after hearing Iran’s latest proposal, suggesting there may still be common ground despite the lack of a breakthrough.
The Geneva meeting marked the third round of talks since last year’s 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, during which the U.S. carried out heavy strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The extent of the damage to Iran’s program remains unclear.
Araghchi led Iran’s delegation, while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff headed the American side. Oman again served as an intermediary, a role it has long played between Tehran and Western governments.
During a break in the talks, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said “constructive proposals” had been discussed on nuclear issues and sanctions relief.
The U.S. has called on Iran to halt uranium enrichment entirely and scale back other military-linked programs. Iran maintains it has not enriched uranium since June but has restricted access for IAEA inspectors to sites targeted in U.S. strikes.
Western governments and the IAEA say Iran had a nuclear weapons program until 2003. After the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal under Trump, Iran increased enrichment to 60% purity — a short technical step from weapons-grade levels.
U.S. intelligence agencies assess Iran has not restarted a weapons program but has taken steps that could position it to produce a nuclear device if it chooses.
If diplomacy collapses, questions remain about the scope and consequences of potential military action. Analysts warn that limited strikes may not compel concessions, while broader action could draw the U.S. into a prolonged conflict.
Tehran has previously threatened to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of globally traded oil passes. Benchmark Brent crude has risen to around $70 per barrel amid renewed uncertainty.
For now, both sides appear to be keeping diplomatic channels open — but without a deal, the shadow of confrontation continues to hang over the region.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
