Geneva, Switzerland – Web Desk: The third round of high-stakes nuclear talks between the United States and Iran concluded without a final agreement, though both sides agreed to continue negotiations next week, officials said.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as “constructive,” noting that some progress had been made and that further technical-level talks would follow. Omani mediators indicated that the next round of negotiations is expected to take place in Vienna.
The US delegation was led by President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff. According to reports, US officials were not fully satisfied with Tehran’s proposals.
A key sticking point remains Iran’s uranium enrichment programme and the future of its enriched stockpiles. Washington is seeking permanent guarantees and a strict inspection regime to ensure Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons capability. Tehran, however, denies any intention to build nuclear weapons and insists on its right to limited enrichment for civilian purposes.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is not currently enriching uranium but is attempting to restore that capability. He also identified Iran’s ballistic missile programme as a major unresolved concern.
Meanwhile, there has been a notable increase in US military deployments in the region, including aircraft carrier strike groups and fighter jets. Analysts say that despite ongoing diplomacy, the risk of military escalation has not been entirely ruled out.
The role of the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, is also seen as critical, as any potential agreement would require technical verification by the agency under Director-General Rafael Grossi.
The outcome of the next round of negotiations is likely to shape the trajectory of US-Iran relations and broader Middle East security dynamics.
