Tehran states it is aiming “to secure a fair and balanced agreement” regarding its nuclear program and will not yield to threats
Iran and the United States are poised to restart discussions on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program, as Washington strengthens its military presence in the area and Tehran indicates it will not give in to pressure.
Scheduled to occur in Geneva on Tuesday, these negotiations represent the second round of discussions this month, following an initial meeting in Oman that both parties characterized as a “good start.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who touched down in Switzerland with a senior diplomatic and technical delegation, posted on X that he had come “to secure a fair and balanced agreement,” noting: “What is off the table: surrender to threats.”
Washington is attempting to coerce Iran into agreeing to a new nuclear accord, following US President Donald Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during his first term and the reimposition of sanctions. Tehran asserts its nuclear program is peaceful, despite US claims of purported weapons development, and states it will not accede to Washington’s calls for zero nuclear enrichment.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid Ghanbari has noted that any new agreement should include economic incentives for the US to guarantee its longevity. He stated that talks thus far have addressed potential collaboration in oil and gas extraction, mining, and aircraft procurement, contending that the JCPOA fell short in part due to its failure to offer such advantages to Washington.
Tensions have been elevated since the US conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last June. Washington has since dispatched extra naval and air resources, including a second aircraft carrier, to the region. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has initiated military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz— a critical global oil transit point— and has threatened to block the waterway.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed reporters on Monday that reaching an agreement with Tehran would be challenging. Trump has referred to regime change in Tehran as “the best possible outcome.” Moscow has cautioned that the standoff is “potentially volatile” and has called for a peaceful resolution.