In Geneva, the third high-level meeting between the United States and Iran concluded without a significant breakthrough, yet both sides agreed to continue discussions with a fourth meeting scheduled for next week in Vienna. Following the talks, Oman's Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, who facilitated the discussions, stated that there has been 'substantial progress,' and that talks will resume promptly after consultations in their respective capitals. Iran's lead negotiator, Abbas Araqchi, echoed the sentiment of good progress, emphasizing that while there are still differences in opinion, both sides are showing a more serious commitment to finding solutions through negotiations.

The talks lasted for about six hours, utilizing an indirect negotiation format mediated by Oman. The presence of Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), underscored the complexity and importance of the discussions on Iran's nuclear program. However, reports indicate that the stark differences between the parties on key issues ultimately prevented a formal agreement during this session. The U.S. delegation insisted on the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, alongside a complete handover of enriched uranium to the U.S., and a demand for any nuclear agreement to be indefinite without sunset clauses.

In turn, Iran firmly rejected the U.S. stipulations regarding the transfer of enriched uranium and the disbanding of its nuclear facilities. An Iranian official affirmed on Al Jazeera that their proposal aimed only for a temporary suspension of uranium enrichment, reiterating that while they do not pursue nuclear weapons, the demands for a permanent halt to enrichment, dismantling of nuclear facilities, and the removal of uranium stockpiles were utterly unacceptable. Concurrently, the U.S. Vice President highlighted Iran's ongoing nuclear ambitions, adding pressure to the talks amid the growing concerns about military confrontation.