Credited from: AA
Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed that the next round of negotiations between the United States and Iran will take place on Thursday in Geneva. This announcement comes amid escalating tensions in the region and an ongoing focus on Iran's nuclear program. Albusaidi expressed optimism, stating there is a "positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal," which suggests a collaborative effort is underway to mitigate the disputes between the two nations, according to Al Jazeera and Anadolu Agency.
This round of talks will follow previous discussions held earlier in Muscat, which also involved the indirect contacts that the Omani government facilitated. Officials, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have noted a "good chance" for a diplomatic solution purely focused on the nuclear issue, emphasizing the importance of these negotiations amid a backdrop of military escalation and prior negotiations failing to yield substantial results, according to India Times and Los Angeles Times.
As the talks draw near, optimism is somewhat tempered by the realities of a significant military buildup by the United States in the Middle East, which has been described as the largest in decades. President Trump has warned of potential military action if negotiations stall, while Iranian officials have consistently underscored their right to enrich uranium, framing this negotiation round as pivotal for national interests. The complex historical tensions only add layers to these negotiations, as both sides express readiness to escalate militarily should discussions fail, according to Los Angeles Times and Anadolu Agency.
The diplomatic context further complicates matters as new anti-government protests emerge in Iran. These demonstrations have coincided with memorials for previous protest victims, highlighting the internal pressures Iran faces while negotiating on a global stage. The protests underscore the urgent domestic situation that the Iranian regime must navigate alongside international diplomatic efforts, creating a delicate balance that could impact the outcomes of the Geneva talks, according to India Times and Los Angeles Times.