The United States, under President Donald Trump, has reiterated its willingness to force Iran to limit its nuclear program through military action if necessary. In response, Iran has stated it will retaliate against any US aggression. The tensions have been exacerbated by Iran's violent crackdown on recent anti-government protests, which has drawn further criticism from the US. The first round of these indirect negotiations occurred on February 6 in Oman, where it was reported that US vehicles entered the palace grounds shortly after Iranian officials departed.

On Tuesday, Iranian state television announced the commencement of these talks, noting that the two countries have been exchanging messages through intermediaries from Oman. US emissaries, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have arrived in Switzerland for this second round of discussions. The focus remains on attempting to reach an agreement following the complexities surrounding the negotiations and the heightened geopolitical stakes.

Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, emphasized the administration's hopes for a successful outcome during a visit to Budapest, despite acknowledging the challenges ahead. He refrained from making premature judgments about the ongoing negotiations while expressing a cautious optimism. The implications of these negotiations are significant, as they not only address regional stability but also broader international concerns regarding nuclear proliferation and the potential use of military force in the region.