US-Iran Nuclear Talks Reach A Critical Juncture Amid Rising Tensions
A third round of nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran is set to take place in Geneva, with the looming threat of military action if no agreement is reached.
The United States and Iran are preparing for a third round of critical nuclear negotiations in Geneva on Thursday, following an ultimatum issued by the US, demanding a proposal from Iran within 48 hours. Amid rising tensions and escalating rhetoric, the possibility of a military strike hangs in the balance if the negotiations fail to yield results.
Historical Backdrop and Current Scenario
Over the past few months, the US and Iran have held two rounds of talks since tensions escalated in January, with no breakthrough achieved yet. As the third round of negotiations approaches, both countries are on a tightrope between diplomacy and deterrence.
Iran has been firm in its stance, readying for any scenario while maintaining that its nuclear program is solely of a peaceful nature. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stressed that negotiations based on pre-judged assumptions would not bear results.
Meanwhile, the US has demanded concessions from Tehran as a condition for continuing talks, with the ayatollah's directives in case of his assassination adding further intensity to the situation. US President Donald Trump has been explicit in his threats, setting a 10-15 day deadline for Iran to reach an agreement or face potential military action.
Stakes and Implications
The stakes have never been higher, with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stating that Israel's nuclear arsenal is a key obstacle for peace in the region. Iran's Majid Takht-Ravanchi has also vowed to do whatever it takes
to reach a deal with the US over its nuclear program.
Ebrahim Rezaei, an Iranian MP and spokesman for parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, warned of the dire consequences for US soldiers if the talks fail. As he put it, the negotiations will decide whether US soldiers “go to hell or return to America.”
The US, in response, has renewed its threat of military action, even as Iran and Russia have announced joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman.
The Road Ahead
Despite the escalating threats and high stakes, there are signs of possible progress. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said a deal is within reach if priority is given to diplomacy,
and has also hinted that a draft agreement could be presented to the US in the coming days.
In a move signaling his prioritization of diplomacy over war, President Trump has committed to contribute $10 billion to the Board of Peace. However, he has also maintained that the US is willing to use
lethal force if necessary.
The upcoming talks in Geneva are being viewed as potentially decisive, marking a critical point in the ongoing US-Iran nuclear saga. The world watches with bated breath as the two nations prepare to negotiate under the looming shadow of potential conflict.