ONLY IN TLF: Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Geneva End Without Deal but With "Significant Progress," Tehran Says
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Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said after the talks wrapped up that the two sides had held "the most serious and longest discussions" yet, adding that "good progress was achieved." He noted that on some issues, the two sides' positions had moved closer together, while gaps remained on others. Araghchi specified that on the nuclear file and the lifting of sanctions, agreement had been reached on certain points, though differences persisted on others. He also said Iran had "very clearly laid out its expectations" on sanction relief and announced that a fourth round of talks would be held next week following consultations in both capitals.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi, who is serving as mediator, confirmed the assessment, stating — as cited by Nournews — that the parties had concluded "a day after significant progress" in the negotiations, and that talks would resume shortly after consultations in respective capitals. He added that technical-level expert discussions would continue in Vienna, the seat of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
On the substance of the talks, Nournews cited a report by CNN, which quoted a knowledgeable Iranian source as saying the negotiations were "serious" and that Tehran had once again emphasized it would never seek a nuclear weapon. According to that source, the complete lifting of US sanctions and UN Security Council resolutions remains a key condition for any potential deal. The source also stressed that "no facilities or equipment will be destroyed," as all are registered and under IAEA monitoring.
On enrichment, the same source stated that Iran insists on its right to peaceful use of nuclear energy — including enrichment and fuel production based on practical needs — under full IAEA verification. Enriched material will not be transferred out of the country, and any potential steps such as dilution would only take place inside Iran. Nournews characterized this as a consolidation of Tehran's red lines in this round of negotiations.
Meanwhile, Nournews cited The Wall Street Journal as reporting that Tehran is demanding the missile program be entirely excluded from the negotiations and that it will not accept any permanent restrictions on its nuclear program — a position consistent with Iran's stated stance that its defense capabilities are non-negotiable.
On the economic front, Nournews noted that Reuters reported oil prices fell following the announcement of progress in the talks — a signal, the outlet suggested, that global markets are taking seriously the possibility of continued dialogue and a reduction in tensions.
In a broader diplomatic context, Nournews pointed to comments from Robert Malley in Washington, who — citing the experience of the JCPOA — said that if the US goal is a concrete and more restrictive agreement, it is achievable, but if the goal is defined as "something entirely different," the path will not lead to results. The outlet interpreted this as reflecting Washington's oscillation between maximalist demands and the technical and political realities of the negotiations.
On the regional security front, Nournews reported that simultaneously with the conclusion of the Geneva talks, Israel announced airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in the Baalbek region of Lebanon, claiming to have targeted camps affiliated with the Radwan Unit. The report noted that the strikes extended deep into Lebanese territory — a move analysts, as cited by Nournews, view not merely as a military message but as an attempt to exert indirect pressure on the diplomatic atmosphere and send a deterrent signal coinciding with the progress in nuclear talks. Security circles, the outlet added, have raised the possibility of a Hezbollah counter-response should the strikes continue.
Looking ahead, next week is expected to be decisive on both the diplomatic and security fronts. Nournews highlighted several key variables: the IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, a planned visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Israel, and a vote in the US House of Representatives on a war powers authorization regarding Iran — all of which could directly affect the atmosphere of technical negotiations. The convergence of these developments with intensifying field pressures, the outlet concluded, suggests that the outcome of the talks will be shaped not only at the negotiating table, but also by events on the ground and political decisions in the week ahead.
Photo: Nournews