Iran Describes Nuclear Talks with U.S. as 'Very Intense and Serious' Amid Looming Deadline
Iranian officials have characterized ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States as progressing with significant intensity and seriousness, as both nations continue discussions into the evening hours in Geneva, Switzerland. With President Donald Trump's deadline for reaching an agreement rapidly approaching, the diplomatic engagement has entered a critical phase marked by heightened urgency.
Third Round of Mediated Discussions Underway
The two countries commenced their third round of Omani-mediated discussions in Geneva on Thursday morning, just days before Trump's established deadline. The American president has explicitly threatened military action against Iran should its leadership fail to agree to an accord, raising substantial concerns about the potential outbreak of a new Middle East war that could involve Gulf Arab oil producers and Israel.
"We hope that going forward the discussion will focus on lifting sanctions and the nuclear issue," stated Esmail Baghaei, a spokesman for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during an interview with Iranian state television from the sidelines of the meeting. Baghaei confirmed that diplomats planned to resume their discussions between 5:30 and 6 p.m. local time, indicating the extended nature of the negotiations.
Key Delegates and Direct Engagement
The American delegation is being led by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff alongside Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi heads the talks representing the Islamic Republic. Iranian state media reported that portions of the discussions were conducted directly between the lead delegates, suggesting meetings occurred without exclusive reliance on Omani officials as intermediaries.
Iran has firmly stated it will not permit any of its highly enriched uranium to be transported out of the country, according to Press TV, which cited spokesperson Baghaei. This position stands in contrast to previous signals from U.S. officials, who have indicated Iran would need to either send such uranium stocks to another nation or dilute them as part of any potential agreement.
Military Buildup and Regional Tensions
The United States and Iran remain locked in a tense standoff concerning the Islamic Republic's atomic activities, with both sides exchanging threats as Trump has ordered a substantial military buildup across the Middle East. This deployment includes sending two carrier strike groups to the region as a clear warning to Iran, with Trump establishing a deadline of March 1-6 for reaching a comprehensive deal.
Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who is mediating the talks, noted that "creative and positive ideas" had been exchanged earlier on Thursday and expressed optimism about making further progress. The diplomatic efforts occur against a backdrop of significant military preparations, including reports that the U.S. has stationed F-22 fighter jets and refueling planes in Israel—a rare occurrence for the country to host another nation's aircraft.
Global Economic Implications
Global markets are monitoring the situation with particular attention, as any prolonged conflict in the energy-rich Persian Gulf region could substantially elevate oil prices and contribute to inflationary pressures. Benchmark Brent crude remained steady around US$71 per barrel on Thursday afternoon in London, though prices have surged more than 16 percent this year largely due to the U.S.-Iran standoff.
Energy traders are especially focused on potential disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway off Iran's southern coast that serves as a critical conduit connecting major oil producers to global markets. Iran has threatened forceful retaliation against any U.S. military attack, while both Saudi Arabia and Iran have accelerated their crude exports in recent weeks as tensions have escalated.
The United States' extensive military buildup in the region—the largest since the 2003 invasion of Iraq—is expected to receive additional reinforcement in coming days with the arrival of a second aircraft carrier that could participate in potential offensive operations or defensive measures against Iranian counter-strikes.
