US-Iran Nuclear Talks Resume Amid Rising Tensions and Military Threats
On February 26, US and Iranian diplomats are set to meet in Geneva for the third round of high-stakes talks concerning Iran's nuclear program, against a backdrop of escalating military threats and economic sanctions. The negotiations, mediated by Oman, are seen as a crucial attempt to reach an agreement or risk a potential military conflict.
Context and Background
The US and Iran have been engaged in indirect discussions for some time, with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, representing the American side while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leads the Iranian delegation. The talks are taking place amid a significant military buildup by the US in the Middle East, a move seen by many as an attempt to pressure Iran into a deal.
Key Developments
In a fresh development, the US announced new sanctions targeting Iran on Wednesday, a move criticized by Tehran. Iranian Parliament’s speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that Iran is ready to engage with the US or respond to its threats. According to Russian news agency TASS, Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that Iranian Foreign Ministry officials will report on the progress of the consultations.
Iranian MP Ebrahim Rezaei warned that these negotiations would decide whether US soldiers “go to hell or return to America,” in response to President Trump’s threats of military action unless Tehran signs a nuclear deal. Trump has set a ten-day deadline for Tehran to reach an agreement or face potential military action.
Reactions and Implications
The situation has sparked a flurry of reactions worldwide. US Senator Rubio voiced concerns about Iran's unwillingness to discuss missiles, calling it a problem. On the other hand, Iranian defense sources told RT that Iran will not give in to US blackmail over its nuclear program and that any potential US or Israeli attack on Iran would be met with a “broad and unlimited response.”
The New York Times highlighted that Iran’s task is to give Trump a win but also preserve some semblance of its nuclear enrichment, indicating the complexities of the situation. Meanwhile, a report in the South China Morning Post suggested that Trump’s threatened strikes on Iran could backfire, leading to destabilizing conflict in the Middle East.
Current Status
As the talks continue, the possibility of an agreement seems slim, according to Deutsche Welle. The Times of Israel suggested that the US has demanded Tehran to set out the concessions it is willing to offer, but it appeared unlikely that the emerging Iranian proposal would meet Trump's threshold requirements.
The talks in Geneva will represent a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. The outcome could either bring the two nations closer to an agreement or start a final countdown to war.