US and Iranian officials have held a third round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, with both sides describing the discussions as positive but stopping short of any breakthrough. The negotiations are seen as critical to averting a military conflict, with President Donald Trump having threatened to strike Iran if a deal is not reached.
Thursday’s session lasted three hours before being adjourned. Oman’s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, who is serving as mediator, said negotiators had exchanged “creative and positive ideas” and would return after a break, adding, “We hope to make more progress.”
The talks are unfolding against a tense backdrop. The US has assembled its largest military presence in the Middle East since the invasion of Iraq in 2003, while Iran has vowed to respond to any attack with force.
Trump has said he prefers a diplomatic solution but has also indicated he is considering a limited strike on Iran to pressure its leadership into accepting a deal. Tehran, for its part, says it will only discuss nuclear issues and insists its atomic programme is entirely peaceful.
The outcome of the Geneva talks is likely to be closely watched in the coming days, as both sides weigh the prospects of a diplomatic breakthrough against the risk of further escalation in an already fragile regional security environment.
