Iran and the United States have come to an agreement on key “guiding principles” in discussions aimed at settling their enduring nuclear disagreement, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. However, Araghchi clarified that this understanding does not signify an imminent deal.
Following Araghchi’s remarks, oil futures saw a decline, with the benchmark Brent crude contract dropping over 1%. This development alleviated concerns of conflict in the region, where the US has dispatched naval forces to pressure Iran for concessions.
Araghchi informed Iranian media in Geneva that various proposals were deliberated, leading to a general consensus on certain guiding principles. A US official disclosed that Iran is expected to present detailed proposals within the next two weeks to bridge gaps in the nuclear discussions.
The indirect negotiations, involving US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Araghchi, were facilitated by Oman. While Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi noted that much work remains, he mentioned that both Iran and the US have identified “clear next steps.”
As the talks commenced, Iranian state media reported a temporary closure of parts of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil supply route, due to “security precautions” during military exercises by Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards. Iran has previously threatened to block the strait to commercial shipping in case of an attack, which could disrupt a significant portion of global oil flows and raise crude prices.
In response to Trump’s suggestion of “regime change” in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed such attempts by the US, emphasizing that even the world’s strongest army could face significant setbacks. Araghchi, speaking at a disarmament conference post-talks in Geneva, expressed optimism about a potential “sustainable” solution that upholds Iran’s legitimate rights.
Trump, indicating indirect involvement in the Geneva discussions, voiced belief in Iran’s willingness to reach a deal. He highlighted the consequences of failing to reach an agreement and referenced past military actions. Last June, the US and Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, suspecting Iran of seeking nuclear weapons despite Iran asserting its nuclear program’s peaceful nature.
Iran has maintained a firm stance on limiting discussions to its nuclear program and seeking sanctions relief. Khamenei reiterated Iran’s stance on the non-negotiable nature of its missile arsenal. A senior Iranian official stressed that the success of the talks hinges on the US avoiding unrealistic demands and demonstrating seriousness in lifting sanctions on Iran.
The sixth round of talks between Tehran and Washington was disrupted last June by Israel’s bombing campaign against Iran, followed by US B-2 bombers targeting nuclear sites. Iran subsequently declared a halt to uranium enrichment activities. Iran, a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, insists on its right to civilian nuclear power while opposing atomic weapons, in line with the treaty’s provisions.
Contrary to Iran’s compliance with the treaty, Israel’s nuclear weapons status remains unconfirmed, following a policy of ambiguity aimed at deterring adversaries. Scholars widely believe Israel possesses nuclear capabilities.
