Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commenced a series of military maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, as per reports from state media. This narrow waterway in the Gulf holds strategic importance. The Guards’ naval forces are engaged in intensive exercises under the leadership of the IRGC head, in response to the recent deployment of a sizable US naval presence in the region.
As per Iranian state television, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Geneva ahead of a second round of negotiations with the United States. This move comes amidst ongoing pressure from Washington on the Islamic republic. Today, Tehran is set to engage in “indirect” Iran-US nuclear talks mediated by Oman. While Iran insists on focusing on the nuclear aspect, Washington has emphasized discussing other issues, including Iran’s ballistic missiles and support for regional proxies.
The status of Iran’s stockpile of over 400 kilograms of 60-percent enriched uranium, last inspected by nuclear watchdogs in June, remains uncertain. An Iranian diplomat recently stated that Iran seeks a nuclear agreement with the US that brings economic benefits to both parties. The negotiations reportedly cover common interests in oil and gas fields, joint ventures, mining investments, and aircraft acquisitions.
Iran’s state-run IRIB announced that Foreign Minister Araghchi leads a diplomatic and expert delegation in Geneva for the nuclear negotiations. Araghchi is scheduled to engage in detailed technical discussions with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi. Additionally, meetings with Swiss and Omani counterparts, as well as other international officials, are on the agenda.
During a visit to Budapest, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed skepticism about reaching a deal with Iran, highlighting the challenges ahead.
