The third round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, held in Geneva, Switzerland, is proceeding in a positive atmosphere. On the 26th (local time), both sides concluded morning talks and agreed to a temporary recess for consultations with their respective governments, with plans to resume negotiations later in the afternoon.
According to CNN, the talks began around 10 AM and lasted approximately three hours before being paused. Representing the US were Steve Witkoff, a Middle East envoy, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. From Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi participated. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated that the meeting was temporarily halted for both delegations to conduct consultations with their governments, and it would reconvene at around 5:30 PM (1:30 AM KST on the 27th).
The talks are being conducted indirectly at the Omani Embassy in Geneva, with Oman serving as a mediator. Instead of direct face-to-face meetings, proposals from both sides are being communicated through Oman. The Omani Foreign Ministry released a photo on X (formerly Twitter) showing Witkoff and Kushner in discussions with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi, noting that “creative and positive ideas were exchanged.”
During the morning negotiations, the US emphasized the need to limit Iran’s uranium enrichment and maintain a long-term verification system for their nuclear program. Reportedly, Iran presented “detailed proposals” and “ideas” to address US concerns, although specifics were not disclosed. Iranian spokesperson Baghaei mentioned in IRIB that “very important and practical proposals and plans” were put forward regarding nuclear sanctions relief, with serious discussions taking place between the delegations.
This negotiation is described as the last diplomatic opportunity to resolve the situation amid impending US military actions. The Trump administration has positioned hundreds of aircraft and warships in the Middle East, exerting pressure on Iran to reach a deal. CNN commented that Iranian officials recognize that any agreement must allow Trump to claim victory and be able to boast that it is stronger than the nuclear agreement from the Obama era.